Netting, crop cover, and ground cover materials

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to crop netting materials, crop cover materials, and ground cover materials that transmit solar radiation in the visible wavelength range of about 420 to 720 nm at a level similar to the level that the materials transmit solar radiation in the infra red wavelength ranges of about 700 to about 1000 nm and 1500 to about 1600 nm. The materials also absorb solar radiation in the UV wavelength range of about 300 to about 380 nm.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This invention claims priority from PCT Application No. PCT/IB2013/058488 filed Sep. 12, 2013, which claims priority to New Zealand Application Serial Nos. 614071, 614074 and 614075 filed Aug. 8, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/700,203 filed Sep. 12, 2012, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to netting materials, particularly but not exclusively to netting materials for use as bird netting, insect netting, shadecloth netting, windbreak netting, or hail protection netting for example or in other agricultural applications, and also to crop cover materials and ground cover materials.

BACKGROUND

Bird netting, insect netting, shadecloth netting, windbreak netting, or hail protection netting may be placed near plants to protect for example annual plants, perennial plants, fruit trees, or grape vines, from birds, insects, excessive sun, wind, or hail. Typically the netting is supported over the plant(s) and/or as a vertical and/or angled wall or walls near the plant(s), by for example cables or wires between posts positioned along the rows of plants in a garden, field crop, orchard or vineyard, or is draped over the plant(s) or is laid on the ground.

A crop cover material such as film, or a woven material optionally coated with a film layer on one or both sides is placed above the plant crop to protected it from birds, insects, rain, hail, wind and excessive sun. The addition of materials to the cover may occur to add in its properties, such as sun protection by increasing the level of shade.

Woven or film ground cover materials are used in agriculture for a number of purposes including weed suppression and/or soil warmth retention and/or moisture retention and/or for light reflecting and/or for soil cooling.

Typically where a material is used primarily as a reflective ground cover for light enhancement, the material is rolled out in lengths onto the ground, and secured in place, beneath or between rows of trees, vines, or plants, to increase the amount of light to which the plants and in particular fruit are exposed by reflection of light from the material towards the fruit above. The material may also aid soil warmth retention and moisture retention. The material may also be used for reducing or control soil temperature to an optimum range for plant growth.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved netting, crop cover, and ground cover materials; and/or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In broad terms in one aspect the invention comprises a crop netting material which is knitted, woven, or non-woven, from a synthetic monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape or combination thereof, formed from a resin comprising at least one pigment such that the monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape:

-   -   across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm:         -   absorbs at least about 55% solar radiation on average, and         -   transmits less than about 30% solar radiation on average;     -   across a visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm:         -   transmits at least about 10% solar radiation on average, and         -   reflects at least about 10% of solar radiation on average;     -   across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm:         transmits between about 15% and about 80% of solar radiation on         average;     -   across an infrared wavelength range of 1500 to 1600 nm:         transmits at least about 15% to about 90% solar radiation on         average; and     -   across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm:         -   transmits not more than about 9 percentage points on average             more than, and         -   transmits not less than about 9 percentage points on average             less than, the solar radiation transmission across said             visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm; and     -   across an infrared wavelength range about 1500 to about 1600 nm:         -   transmits not more than about 9 percentage points on average             more than, and         -   transmits not less than about 9 percentage points on average             less than,     -   the solar radiation transmission across said infrared wavelength         range about 700 to about 1000 nm.

Netting of the invention may be suitable for use in relation to plants which in the environment in which they are growing, without the netting of the invention, may suffer overheating (and reduced photosynthesis plus excessive plant respiration) and fruit sunburn. Netting of the invention also or alternatively may be suitable for use in providing an improved or controlled growing and/or fruit development environment.

The netting across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm absorbs at least about 55% solar radiation on average. This may reduce fruit sunburn.

The netting across this UV wavelength range transmits less than about 30% solar radiation on average. This reduction in UV this assists in reducing sunburn effects on fruit. It also reduces the UV stress effects on the plant itself and aids in supporting lower temperatures.

In some embodiments, the crop netting material across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm:

-   -   absorbs at least about 60% solar radiation on average, and     -   transmits less than about 30% solar radiation on average.

The netting across a visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm transmits at least about 10% solar radiation on average. Visible light is required for plant photosynthesis.

In some embodiments, the crop netting material across a visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm: transmits at least about 20% solar radiation on average.

The netting across the infrared wavelength ranges about 700 to about 1000 nm transmits between about 15% to about 80% of solar radiation on average; and 1500 to about 1600 nm transmits between about 15% and about 90% of solar radiation on average. And the netting in the range of about 700 to about 1000 transmits not more than about 9% on average, and transmits not less than about 9% on average, of transmission across said visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm. And the netting in the range of about across an infrared wavelength range of about 1500 to about 1600 nm transmits not more than about 9% on average, and transmits not less than about 9% on average, of transmits not less than about 9% on average, of transmission across said infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm. The netting therefore may reduce heating beneath the netting relative to certain prior art netting.

In at least some embodiments the netting material transmits at least about 15%, or at least about 20%, or about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35% of solar radiation on average across said infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm.

In at least some embodiments the netting material transmits between about 15% and about 85%, or between about 20% and about 80%, or between about 20% and about 70%, or between 15% and about 45% or between about 10 and about 45%, or between about 10% and about 40% or between about 35% and about 80% or between about 40% and about 75% of solar radiation on average across the infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm.

In at least some embodiments the netting material transmits not more than about 90%, or not more than about 85%, or not more than about 80%, or not more than about 75% or not more than about 70% or not more than about 65% or not more than about 60% or not more than about 55% or not more than about 50% or not more than about 45% of solar radiation on average across said infrared wavelength range about 1500 to about 1600 nm.

In at least some embodiments the netting material transmits between about 15% and about 90%, or between about 15% and about 85%, or between about 20% and about 80%, or between 20% and about 70% or between 20% and about 75% or between about 20% to about 90% or between about 30% to about 85% or between about 35% to about 80% or between about 40% to about 75% or between about 10% to about 60% or between about 10% to 55% or between about 15% to about 50% or between about 15% to 45% of solar radiation on average across said infrared wavelength range about 1500 to about 1600 nm.

In at least some embodiments the netting material reflects substantially all of said solar radiation from about 700 to about 1000 nm and/or from about 1500 nm to about 1600 nm it does not transmit, across said infrared wavelength ranges.

In at least some embodiments the netting material across said infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm:

-   -   transmits not more than about 9% or not more than about 8% on         average or not more than about 7% and     -   transmits not less than about 9% or not more than about 8% on         average or not more than about 7%,     -   of transmission across said visible wavelength range about 420         to about 700 nm.

In at least some embodiments the netting material across said infrared wavelength range about 1500 to about 1600 nm:

-   -   transmits not more than about 9% or not more than about 8% on         average or not more than about 7% and     -   transmits not less than about 9% or not more than about 8% on         average or not more than about 7%,     -   of transmission across said infrared wavelength range about 700         to about 1000 nm.

In at least some embodiments the netting material absorbs at least about 55%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 65%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95%, on average of solar radiation on average across said UV wavelength range about 280 to about 380 nm.

In at least some embodiments the netting material transmits at least about 10%, or at least about 15%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%, of solar radiation on average across said visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm.

In at least some embodiments the netting material reflects at least about 20%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%, of solar radiation on average across said visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm.

In another aspect the invention comprises a crop cover material which is knitted, woven, or non-woven, from a synthetic monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape or combination thereof, formed from a resin comprising at least one pigment such that the monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape:

-   -   across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm:         -   absorbs at least about 55% solar radiation on average, and         -   transmits less than about 30% solar radiation on average;     -   across a visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm:         -   transmits at least about 20% solar radiation on average, and         -   reflects at least about 10% solar radiation on average;     -   across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm:         transmits between about 20% and about 90% of solar radiation on         average;     -   across an infrared wavelength range of 1500 to 1600 nm:         transmits at least about 20% to about 90% solar radiation on         average; and     -   across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm:         -   transmits not more than about 9 percentage points on average             more than, and         -   transmits not less than about 9 percentage points on average             less than,     -   the solar radiation transmission across said visible wavelength         range about 420 to about 700 nm; and     -   across an infrared wavelength range about 1500 to about 1600 nm:         -   transmits not more than about 9 percentage points on average             more than, and         -   transmits not less than about 9 percentage points on average             less than,     -   the solar radiation transmission across said infrared wavelength         range about 700 to about 1000 nm.

In some embodiments, the crop cover material across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm:

-   -   absorbs at least about 60% solar radiation on average, and     -   transmits less than about 30% solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments, the crop cover material across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm absorbs at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, or at least about 75% solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments, the crop cover material across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm transmits less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, or less than about 15% solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments, the crop cover material across a visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm transmits at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, or at least about 50% solar radiation on average.

In at least some embodiments the crop cover material reflects at least about 20%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%, of solar radiation on average across said visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm.

In some embodiments, the crop cover material across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm transmits between about 30% and about 85%, between about 35% and about 85%, between about 40% and about 85%, between about 30% and about 80%, between about 30% and about 75%, between about 35% and about 80%, between about 40% and about 75%, or between about 45% and about 70% of solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments, the crop cover material across an infrared wavelength range of 1500 to 1600 nm transmits at least about 30% to about 85%, at least about 35% to about 80%, at least about 40% to about 75%, at least about 35% to about 85%, at least about 40% to about 85%, at least about 45% to about 85%, at least about 30% to about 80%, at least about 30% to about 75%, or at least about 30% to about 70% solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments, the crop cover material across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm:

-   -   transmits not more than about 8% on average or not more than         about 7% on average, and     -   transmits not less than about 8% on average or not more than         about 7% on average, of transmission across said visible         wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm.

In some embodiments, the crop cover material across an infrared wavelength range about 1500 to about 1600 nm:

-   -   transmits not more than about 8% on average or not more than         about 7% on average, and     -   transmits not less than about 8% on average or not more than         about 7% on average,     -   of transmission across said infrared wavelength range about 700         to about 1000 nm.

In some embodiments the crop cover material includes a plastic coating on the surface of at least one on one side of the cover material. In some embodiments the crop cover material includes a plastic coating on the surface of both sides of the cover material. In some embodiments the plastic coating comprises at least one pigment. In some embodiments the pigment is an inorganic pigment. In some embodiments, the pigment is a white pigment in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. In certain exemplary embodiments, the pigment comprises non-conventional titanium dioxide in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.

In another aspect the invention comprises a ground cover material which is woven, or non-woven, from a synthetic monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape or combination thereof, formed from a resin comprising at least one pigment such that the monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape:

-   -   across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm:         -   absorbs at least about 55% solar radiation on average, and         -   transmits less than about 20% solar radiation on average;     -   across a visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm:         -   transmits less than about 40% solar radiation on average,             and         -   reflects at least about 10% of solar radiation on average;     -   across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm:         transmits between about 10% and about 50% of solar radiation on         average;     -   across an infrared wavelength range of 1500 to 1600 nm:         transmits at least about 10% to about 60% solar radiation on         average; and     -   across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm:         -   transmits not more than about 9 percentage points on average             more than, and         -   transmits not less than about 9 percentage points on average             less than,     -   the solar radiation transmission across said visible wavelength         range about 420 to about 700 nm; and     -   across an infrared wavelength range about 1500 to about 1600 nm:         -   transmits not more than about 9 percentage points on average             more than, and         -   transmits not less than about 9 percentage points on average             less than,     -   the solar radiation transmission across said infrared wavelength         range about 700 to about 1000 nm.

In some embodiments the ground cover across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm:

-   -   absorbs at least about 60% solar radiation on average, and     -   transmits less than about 20% solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments the ground cover across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm absorbs at least about 65%, at least about 70%, or at least about 75% solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments the ground cover across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm transmits less than about 25%, less than about 30%, or less than about 35% solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments the ground cover across a visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm transmits less than about 35%, less than about 40%, less than about 45%, or less than about 50% solar radiation on average.

In at least some embodiments the ground cover material reflects at least about 20%, or at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 45%, or at least about 50%, of solar radiation on average across said visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm.

In some embodiments the ground cover across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm transmits between about 15% and about 45%, 10% and about 45%, 10% and about 40%, between about 20% and about 45%, between about 25% and about 45%, between about 30% and about 45%, between about 15% and about 40%, between about 15% and about 35%, or between about 15% and about 30% of solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments the ground cover across an infrared wavelength range of 1500 to 1600 nm: transmits at least about 10% to about 55%, at least about 15% to about 50%, at least about 15% to about 45%, at least about 15% to about 55%, at least about 20% to about 55%, at least about 25% to about 55%, at least about 10% to about 50%, at least about 10% to about 45%, or at least about 10% to about 40% solar radiation on average.

In some embodiments the ground cover across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm:

-   -   transmits not more than about 8% on average or not less than         about 7% on average, and     -   transmits not less than about 8% on average or not less than         about 7% on average,     -   of transmission across said visible wavelength range about 420         to about 700 nm.

In some embodiments the ground cover across an infrared wavelength range about 1500 to about 1600 nm:

-   -   transmits not more than about 8% on average or not less than         about 7% on average, and     -   transmits not less than about 8% on average or not less than         about 7% on average,     -   of transmission across said infrared wavelength range about 700         to about 1000 nm.

The netting and crop cover material across the UV wavelength range indicated transmits less than about 30% solar radiation on average. This reduction in UV assists in reducing sunburn effects on fruit. It also reduces the UV stress effects on the plant itself and aids in lower support lower temperatures.

The ground cover material in the UV wavelength range indicated transmits less than about 20% solar radiation on average. This reduction in the UV assists in reducing the damage effects high UV transmission has in the plastic polymers plus reduce any soil warming effects it may have.

In some embodiments, the monofilament, yarn, or tape has a total solar absorption of greater than about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, or about 75% or about 80% or about 85%.

In some embodiments, the monofilament, yarn, or tape has a total solar reflectance of greater than about 45%, about 40%, about 35%, about 30%, or about 25% or about 20% or about 15%.

Typically the netting is supported over the plant(s) and/or as a vertical and/or angled wall or walls near the plant(s), or on the ground itself, by for example cables or wires between posts positioned along the rows of plants in a garden, fieldcrop, orchard or vineyard, or is draped over the plant(s), as bird netting, insect netting (for repelling for example mosquitoes, or as for example bee exclusion netting), shadecloth netting, windbreak netting, or hail protection. Netting may be placed near plants to protect for example annual plants, perennial plants, fruit trees, or grape vines, vegetable plants, from birds, insects, excessive sun, wind, or hail. The netting has some reflective due to the white pigment(s) referred to above, visible light incident on the netting i.e. on the monofilament, yarn, or tapes thereof, is reflected. A portion of incident light hits the netting such that it is reflected away but some light although undergoing a change in direction due to reflection from the netting nonetheless enters the plants but is diffused and hence more favourable for more even light distribution of the plant, and hits the plants and particularly fruit or vegetables below or adjacent the netting canopy and creates an environment that is favourable for plant growth and/or fruit or vegetable development, and an environment suited to beneficial organisms (insects, bacteria and fungi etc) and less favoured by some non beneficial organisms of the plant or fruits or vegetables. Light not hitting the netting passes directly through the netting air space to the plants and fruit. Light hitting the sides of the net yarn will be reflected in part to the space above the net and in part to the plants below the net which will contribute to the light diffusion properties of the net.

As described above, the netting material of the present invention has increased reflectivity in the infrared wavelength range in proportion to the visible or photosynthetic active solar radiation. In nets placed over plants to give some heat reduction typical involves also reduction in visible light as well. In some cases the amount of the visible light reduction is excessive just to obtain a certain amount of heat reduction. The advantage of the heat reduction comes at a cost of reduced photosynthetic active light. Hence is a net that reduces more heat with less reduction of photosynthetic active light then this is an advantage. Accordingly, heating of the surface of the netting material and heat transfer through the netting material is reduced. This can be advantageous, for example, where it is desirable to provide lower temperature environments for the growth of certain plants under canopies of the netting material or for soil covered by the netting material or with ground covers material of the present invention. The reflection of the heat is preferable to heat absorption in the case of heat absorbing pigments such as carbon black or others as it places the heat away from the plant zone, as absorbing material gives the unfavourable opportunity for the heat to be transferred to the plant environment by conduction or convention.

Also as described above, the netting material has increased transmittance of light in the visible wavelength region, due to reduced scattering. In some cases with direct unfiltered light the parts of the plant in the top part of the tree received visible light such that the leaves are light saturated and the parts of the plant in the lower part are not working optimal due to insufficient visible light. The creation or the increasing the amount of diffuse light enables the light to be used more efficiently by the plant. Hence by providing a plant with a net that gives heat reduction but also increased diffuse light then this gives an advantage over a net that gives the same heat reduction but with less diffused visible light. Accordingly, increased amounts of light in the visible wavelength region can pass through, for example, canopies of the netting material to plants and fruit beneath. This may assist in growth of the plants and the growth and/or ripening of fruit.

The transmission, absorbance, and reflection properties of the netting, crop cover, and ground cover materials of the invention may achieved by the inclusion of at least one pigment in the resin from which monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape from which the netting, crop cover, or ground material are formed. The pigment or combination of pigments selected will depend on the end use of the material. As described herein the at least one pigment may be a single pigment or a combination of two or more pigments that together provide the desired transmission, absorbance, and reflection properties.

In some embodiments the at least one pigment comprises at least one white pigment. In some embodiments said pigment comprises at least one inorganic pigment. In some embodiments said pigment comprises a white zirconium, strontium, barium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, titanium, or potassium pigment or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments said pigment comprises zirconium dioxide, magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, zinc sulphide, calcium carbonate, barium sulphate, magnesium oxide, strontium carbonate, barium carbonate, potassium tintanate, barium titanate, magnesium titanate, strontium titanate, neodymium titanate, tin oxide, titanium dioxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulphide, zinc sulphate, dipotassium titanium trioxide, potassium oxide, potassium titanate, magnesium carbonate, aluminium oxide, aluminium hydroxide, or a combination thereof.

In some exemplary embodiments, said pigment comprises a zirconium dioxide, barium sulphate, calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxide. In some exemplary embodiments, said pigment comprises titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, or a combination thereof. In some exemplary embodiments, said pigment is titanium dioxide. In some exemplary embodiments, said pigment is calcium carbonate.

In one embodiment, the resin comprises a titanium pigment. In one embodiment, the titanium pigment is white.

In some embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises a particulate material. In certain embodiments, the pigment comprises a particulate material having a large average particle size.

In one embodiment, the average particle size is greater than or equal to 0.4 μm. In certain embodiments, the average particle size is greater than or equal to 0.5 μm. In other embodiments, the average particle size is greater than or equal to 0.7 μm, greater than or equal to about 1.0 μm, greater than or equal to about 1.5 μm, or greater than or equal to about 1.8 μm.

In some embodiments, the average particle size is from about 0.5 μm to about 2.0 μm. In certain embodiments, the average particle size is from about 0.7 μm to about 1.8 μm, from about 0.7 μm to about 1.4 μm, from about 0.6 μm to about 1.7 μm, from about 1.0 μm to about 1.6 μm, from about 1.0 μm to about 1.5 μm, or from about 1.2 μm to about 1.4 μm. In other embodiments, the average particle size is from about 0.55 μm and about 0.95 μm, from about 0.6 μm to about 0.9 μm, and from about 0.7 μm to about 0.8 μm.

In some embodiments, the average particle size is about 1.1 μm±0.3 μm. In other embodiments, the average particle size is about 1 μm.

In some embodiments, the particulate material has a substantially rutile crystal form.

In some embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises non-conventional titanium dioxide. As described herein, non-conventional titanium dioxide is distinct from conventional titanium dioxide. Non-conventional titanium dioxide transmits comparatively less infrared light and more visible light than conventional titanium dioxide. In addition, non-conventional titanium dioxide also absorbs UV light in useful amounts.

In some embodiments, the particulate material comprises titanium dioxide in substantially rutile crystal form. In some embodiments, the particulate material comprises greater than 70% by weight of titanium dioxide in rutile crystal form, based on the total weight of the particulate material. In other embodiments, the particulate material comprises greater than 80% by weight, greater than 90% by weight, greater than 95% by weight, or greater than 99.5% by weight of titanium dioxide in rutile crystal form, based on the total weight of the particulate material.

In certain embodiments, the particulate material is titanium dioxide in substantially rutile crystal form. In one embodiment, the titanium dioxide comprises doped titanium dioxide in substantially rutile crystal form.

In some embodiments, said pigment comprises titanium dioxide having an average particle size of at least 0.5 μm or at least 0.7 μm. In some embodiments said pigment comprises a titanium dioxide having an average particle size from about 0.7 μm to about 1.8 μm.

In certain embodiments said titanium dioxide comprises titanium dioxide in the rutile crystal form. In certain embodiments said titanium dioxide is substantially in the rutile crystal form. That is, the majority of said titanium dioxide in the rutile crystal form. In some embodiments, greater than greater than 80% by weight, greater than 90% by weight, greater than 95% by weight, or greater than 99.5% by weight of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystal form.

In certain embodiments, the titanium dioxide comprises doped titanium dioxide. In some embodiments, the doped titanium dioxide comprises nickel antimony titanate or chromium antimony titanate.

In certain embodiments, said titanium dioxide comprises coated titanium dioxide. In certain embodiments, said titanium dioxide is coated with a coating comprising silica, alumina, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the pigment is selected from Altiris® 550 or Altiris® 800, which are commercially available from Huntsman Corporation.

In another embodiment, the pigment is JR-1000, which is commercially available from Tayca Corporation.

Numerous other non-conventional titanium dioxide pigments with high infrared reflectivity relative to the visible light spectrum, compared to conventional titanium dioxide, are commercially available.

In some embodiments, the pigment comprises conventional pigmentary titanium dioxide. Conventional titanium dioxide may be useful in the materials of the present invention in combination with other pigments described herein, for example, microvoiding pigments.

The netting, crop cover, and ground cover materials of the present invention has useful UV absorbance. Accordingly, in some embodiments, said pigment comprises at least one UV absorbing substance. In some embodiments, said UV absorbing substance is an inorganic pigment or an organic pigment.

In some embodiments, the organic UV absorbing pigment is selected from the group consisting organic UV absorbing pigment is chosen from the group consisting of benzotriazole, cyanoacrylates, phenylacrylate, oxanilides, benzophenones, hydroxyphenyltriazines, hyrdoxyphenylbenzotriazole, tri and octyl methoxycinnamate, aminobenzoic acid, aminobenzoate, oxybenzone, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the inorganic UV absorbing pigment is selected from the group consisting of barium titanate, magnesium titanate, strontium titanate, neodymium titanate, tin oxide, titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, silica, alumina, zinc oxide, zinc sulphide, zinc sulphate, zirconium silicate, magnesium oxide, and combinations thereof.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the inorganic UV absorbing pigment is titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. In certain embodiments, the inorganic pigment is non conventional titanium dioxide as defined in any of the embodiments described herein. In certain embodiments, the inorganic pigment is conventional pigmentary titanium dioxide. In certain embodiments, the inorganic pigment is zinc oxide. In certain embodiments, the zinc oxide is nano zinc oxide.

In some embodiments, the netting, crop cover, or ground cover material comprises microvoids in the material. Microvoids can provide useful reflectance properties. In some embodiments microvoids have been formed by stretching said synthetic monofilament, yarn, or tape from which the netting material is formed or stretching a film material from which said tape has been cut.

In certain embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises a particulate material that forms microvoids when monofilament, yarn, or tape from which the netting material is formed or a film material from which tape is cut is stretched. In some embodiments, the microvoid forming particulate material is a white pigment. In some embodiments, the microvoid forming white pigment comprises barium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the microvoiding white pigment is barium sulphate and/or calcium carbonate. In some embodiments, the barium sulphate and/or calcium carbonate are in the form of particles of size in the range 0.05 to 10 microns, 0.1 to 7 microns, 0.25 to 5 microns, or 0.5 to 3 microns.

The combination of a microvoiding pigment and a UV absorbing substances is useful in providing the materials of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the material comprises microvoids and is formed from a resin, wherein the at least one pigment comprises a microvoiding pigment and a UV absorbing substance as defined in any of the embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments the material comprises microvoids and is formed from a resin, wherein the at least one pigment comprises a microvoiding pigment and a white pigment as defined in any of the embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments the material comprises microvoids and is formed from a resin, wherein the at least one pigment comprises a microvoiding pigment, a white pigment as defined in any of the embodiments described herein, and UV absorbing substance as defined in any of the embodiments described herein.

The amount the at least one pigment present in the materials depends on the nature of the pigment(s) used. Some pigments may need to be used in higher amounts than others to achieve the desired transmission, absorption, and reflectance levels. In some embodiments the material is formed from a resin comprising at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 5%, at least 10%, or at least 15% by weight of said pigment.

In some embodiments the netting material of the invention has a cover factor (as herein defined) of less than 95%, less than 90%, less than 80%, or less than 70%.

In some embodiments the netting, crop cover, or ground cover material is of denier 50 to 2000, 100 to 1000, 300 to 800, or 400 to 600.

In some embodiments the netting material comprises air space apertures through the material of widest dimension about 20 mm or 30 mm. In some embodiments the material comprises air space apertures in the range 10-30 mm.

In some embodiments the monofilament, yarn, or tape of the netting, crop cover, or ground cover material is formed from polypropylene.

In some embodiments, the netting or crop cover material is constructed to have a higher density in stronger parallel side margins of the material.

In some embodiments the netting or crop cover material is a bird netting, an insect netting, a shade cloth netting, a windbreak netting, or a hail protection netting.

In broad terms in another aspect the invention comprises a reflective netting material knitted, woven or non-woven from a synthetic monofilament, yarn, or tape or a combination thereof formed from a resin comprising at least one white, translucent, or colourless titanium pigment, which resin has been formed by mixing a masterbatch consisting essentially of 0.5 to 90% by weight of a white, translucent or colourless titanium pigment, and a first polymer, with a second polymer such that the resin (masterbatch) comprising the white, translucent, or colourless titanium pigment comprises between about 4 to 50% by weight of the total mixture. In some embodiments, the titanium pigment is white.

In some embodiments the material may incorporate a compound or compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the material reflects and/or absorption of radiation from the earth (terrestrial (long wave or infrared) radiation). Thus when the material is placed over or adjunct to plants it will assist in retaining heat beneath the material, which may be desirable for some plants or applications.

In some further embodiments the material may incorporate a compound or compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the material allows transmission and/or absorption of radiation from the earth (terrestrial (long wave or infrared) radiation). Thus when the material is placed over or adjacent to plants it will assist in releasing the heat beneath the material, which may be desirable for some plants or applications.

In yet another embodiment the material may incorporate a compound or compounds added to cause or increase the extent to which the material reflects and/or absorbs solar radiation. Thus when the material is placed over or adjunct to plants it will assist in cooling beneath the material, which may be desirable for some plants or applications. In some applications, there is a need for the material to allow visible light transmission in the form of diffused light.

In broad terms in another aspect the invention comprises a method of treating a plant or fruit or vegetables thereon which comprises providing over and/or adjacent the plant as bird netting, insect netting, shadecloth netting, windbreak netting, or hail protection netting a reflective netting material of any form or embodiment above.

In some embodiments, the resin comprises one or more additional pigments or colourants.

The materials, the netting, the crop cover, the ground cover may also contain additional pigments or materials to aid on the total system. The addition of pigments such as micro void generating pigments is of interest due to the ability to generate high reflectivity though the production of micro voids, which are very small air voids in the plastic/polymer material that give two materials with different light refractive indexes, in this case air and polymer. The combination of the micro void generating pigments along with UV absorbing pigments, gives useful combination. Possible micro void generating pigments include magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, calcium carbonate, barium zirconate and zirconium silicate.

Possible UV absorbing pigments include but are not limited to titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zinc oxide nano particle size, altiris form of titanium dioxide barium titanate, magnesium titanate, strontium titanate, neodymium titanate, tin oxide, titanium oxide, cerium dioxide, zinc sulphide, zinc sulphate, zirconium silicate and magnesium oxide.

In broad terms in another aspect the invention comprises a method of treating a plant or fruit or vegetables thereon which comprises providing over and/or adjacent the plant as bird netting, insect netting, shadecloth netting, windbreak netting, or hail protection netting a reflective netting material as defined above.

In broad terms in another aspect the invention comprises a method of making a reflective netting material knitted, woven or non-woven from a synthetic monofilament, yarn, or tape or a combination thereof formed from a resin comprising at least one pigment such that the monofilament, yarn, or tape reflects at least 10% solar radiation on average across the wavelength range about 700-2500 nm, the method comprising: (i) providing a resin comprising the at least one pigment; (ii) forming a synthetic monofilament, yarn, or tape or a combination thereof from the resin; and (iii) forming a knitted, woven or non-woven netting material from the synthetic monofilament, yarn, or tape or a a combination thereof.

By “netting” is meant:

-   -   in the case of knitted material, material having a cover factor         (as herein defined) of up to 98% but typically less than 95%,         90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 3%;     -   in the case of woven material, material having a cover factor         (as herein defined) less than 85% or 80% but typically less than         70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 3%; and     -   in the case of non-woven material, material having a cover         factor (as herein defined) of up to 98% but typically less than         95%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 3%.

By “cover factor” is meant the percentage of the overall area of the netting material which comprises knitted, woven, or non-woven monofilament, yarn, or tape or a combination, forming the netting itself, judged from perpendicular to the plane of the netting when laid out flat, as opposed to air space in between the netting. Thus if a netting has a cover factor of 30% then the air space through the netting would be 70% of the total area of the netting.

By “reflective” in general is meant that the material is reflective of at least 20% on average of visible light or of energy across any particular wavelength range of interest, more preferably at least 30% or 40% or 50% or 60% or 70% or 80% or 90%, on at least one side of the netting material. At some wavelengths within the particular wavelength range of interest the material may be less reflective, so long as the average of the reflectance of the material at all wavelengths across the wavelength range of interest is at least the minimum specified.

“Non woven netting” includes extruded netting, comprising crossed strands heat welded or chemically bonded together.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1a and 1b shows a section of one form of knitted hexagonal monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 10-15%

FIGS. 2a and 2b shows a section of one form leno woven based monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 20-25%,

FIGS. 3a and 3b shows a section of one form of knitted diamond monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 15-20%

FIGS. 4a and 4b shows a section of one form leno woven based monofilament and tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 20-25%,

FIGS. 5a and 5b shows a section of one form knitted diamond monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 5-10,

FIGS. 6a and 6b shows a section of one form extruded diamond monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 3-8%,

FIGS. 7a and 7b shows a section of one form pillar monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 30 to 35%,

FIGS. 8a and 8b shows a section of one form non woven netting, having a cover factor of approximately 90 to 95%,

FIGS. 9a and 9b shows a section of one form woven tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 80 to 85%,

FIGS. 10a and 10b shows a section of one form pillar monofilament and tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 35 to 40%,

FIGS. 11a and 11b shows a section of one form pillar monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 45 to 50%,

FIGS. 12a and 12b shows a section of one form knitted diamond monofilament and tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 25-30%,

FIGS. 13a and 13b shows a section of one form knitted diamond monofilament and tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 20-25%,

FIG. 14 shows a scale of apples with no sunburn at a progressive scale of increasing amounts of sunburn from 1 to 5. The circle area inside the apple shows the discoloured area, normally yellow in colour (in sunburn 1 to 5 examples) and then the dark inner circle in black (in example 4 and 5) is the burnt are that appears black on the fruit,

FIG. 15 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament 1%, TiO2,

FIG. 16 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 1.5% TiO2,

FIG. 17 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 2% TiO2,

FIG. 18 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 10% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 19 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 14.0% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 20 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 2% TiO2, 2.5% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 21 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2.0% carbon Black,

FIG. 22 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 0.4% Aluminium,

FIG. 23 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris,

FIG. 24 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 3% Altiris,

FIG. 25 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 4% Altiris,

FIG. 26 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% Altiris, 2.5% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 27 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% Altiris, 10% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 28 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 29 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris, 2.5% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 30 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris, 5% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 31 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 32 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2, 5% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 33 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2, 10% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 34 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2, 14% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 35 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% ZnO nano, 2.5% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 36 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm film extruded onto woven fabic, Polymer only,

FIG. 37 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2,

FIG. 38 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm film, 2% TiO2,

FIG. 39 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm film extruded onto woven fabic, 3% Altiris,

FIG. 40 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, 2% TiO2,

FIG. 41 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, 20% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 42 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, 2.5% black, 4.0% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 43 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, Al coated tape,

FIG. 44 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 45 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment,

FIG. 46 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2, 14% Microvoid pigment, and

FIG. 47 shows a graph of diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, 2% TiO2, 15% Microvoid pigment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Netting, crop cover, or ground cover material of the invention may be knitted, woven or non-woven from a synthetic monofilament, yarn (multifilament and non-multifilament), or tape or a combination thereof, formed from a resin comprising sufficient of at least one pigment the desired light transmission, reflection, and absorption properties described herein.

In one embodiment the monofilament, yarn, or tape is formed from a resin comprising at least one pigment, which resin has been formed by mixing a masterbatch consisting essentially of 10 or 20 to 90% by weight of the pigment(s) and a first polymer, with a second polymer. The first polymer may be a mixture of polymers as may the second polymer. The masterbatch may be in the form of thermoplastic granules. The pigment(s) may be added to the first polymer or mix of polymers when heated to be liquid or flowable and is vigorously mixed to distribute the pigment evenly, and the first polymer comprising the mixed pigment(s) is then formed into solid granules on cooling. The first polymer or polymers acts to bind the pigment(s) into granules enabling solid granulation of the mixture, the masterbatch; for ease of handling in a subsequent monofilament, yarn, fibre, or tape manufacturing process. The masterbatch is then mixed with a second polymer and may be mixed in a letdown range of 4 or 5 to 50% of the masterbatch to the second polymer or polymers, to form the mixture from which the monofilament, yarn, or tape is then manufactured. Monofilament may be extruded; synthetic yarn may be formed by known methods including extrusion of individual fibres which are then twisted to form a yarn. Tape may be extruded directly or the resin may be extruded into sheet form which may then be cut to tapes suitable for knitting or weaving into netting. Nonwoven netting may be formed by random binding at numerous irregular crossing points, of thermoplastic monofilament, yarn, or tape, by application of heat and pressure.

The first polymer and the second polymer may be the same or different and may be any suitable polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, for example, or a mixture thereof, or an ethylene alpha-olefin, or a polyester, or a biopolymer, or a blend of any of the foregoing. Certain plastics are particularly useful when present as minor or major components. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene butyl acrylate (EBA) and ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) are useful for imparting elasticity and other properties. Polyesters and polystyrene, styrene-butdienie (SB), acrylonitrile-butadienie-styrene (ABS), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate are useful as dye carriers and also for influencing radiation (reflecting, absorbing and transmission) properties and also other properties on the materials. Starch and other plant polymers are useful to increase biodegradability. Alternatively the material may comprise in part or whole of paper, wood or cellulose fibre, starch based polymers, casein, latex or in any combination of the above and/or with petroleum derived plastic polymers. In addition to the pigment the polymer or polymer blend may incorporate other agents such as a UV stabiliser or combination of stabilisers and processing aid or aids.

The at least one pigment in the resin from which the netting or ground cover material is formed provides the material with improved transmittance of visible light relative to the amount of infrared light transmitted by the material, and increased absorption of UV light.

In some embodiments, the at least one pigment is a single pigment that provides improved transmittance of visible light relative to the amount of infrared light transmitted by the material, and increased absorption of UV light. In some embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises two or more individual pigments that provide the desired transmission and absorption properties.

In one embodiment, the at least one pigment comprises a particulate material. The particulate material may be white, coloured or colourless. In some exemplary embodiments, the particulate material comprises at least one white pigment. In some embodiments, the particulate material is a microvoiding pigment, as described herein.

In some embodiments the at least one pigment comprises at least one white pigment. In some embodiments, the at least one white pigment comprises an inorganic white pigment.

In certain embodiments the at least one white pigment comprises a white zirconium, strontium, barium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, titanium, or potassium pigment or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the white pigment comprises zirconium dioxide, magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, zinc sulphide, calcium carbonate, barium sulphate, magnesium oxide, strontium carbonate, barium carbonate, potassium tintanate, barium titanate, magnesium titanate, strontium titanate, neodymium titanate, tin oxide, titanium dioxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulphide, zinc sulphate, dipotassium titanium trioxide, potassium oxide, potassium titanate, magnesium carbonate, aluminium oxide, aluminium hydroxide, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the at least one white pigment comprises zirconium dioxide, magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, zinc sulphide, calcium carbonate, barium sulphate, magnesium oxide, strontium carbonate, barium carbonate, titanium dioxide, potassium oxide, potassium titanate or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the white pigment comprises a white zirconium, strontium, barium, magnesium or calcium pigment, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the white pigment comprises zirconium dioxide, magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, calcium carbonate, barium sulphate, magnesium oxide, strontium carbonate, barium carbonate, dipotassium titanium trioxide, and potassium titanate, magnesium carbonate, aluminium oxide, aluminium hydroxide, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the white pigment is selected from the group consisting of zirconium dioxide, barium sulphate, calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxide.

In some embodiments, the white pigment is selected from the group consisting of zirconium dioxide, barium sulphate, calcium carbonate.

In some embodiments, the white pigment is selected from the group consisting of barium sulphate, calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxide.

In some embodiments, the white pigment is selected from the group consisting of barium sulphate and calcium carbonate. In some embodiments the barium sulphate or calcium carbonate is provided in an amount of 12% to 30% by weight. In some embodiments said barium sulphate or calcium carbonate is in the form of particles of size 0.5-3 microns.

In some embodiments, the white pigment is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide.

In some embodiments, the white pigment comprises a titanium pigment, a calcium pigment, or a combination thereof.

In one exemplary embodiment, the white pigment is titanium dioxide. In some embodiments, the titanium dioxide is present in an amount of 0.1% to about 4% by weight of the material. In some embodiments, the titanium dioxide is present in an amount of 1% to about 4% by weight of the material. In some embodiments, the titanium dioxide is conventional titanium dioxide. In some embodiments, the titanium dioxide is non-conventional titanium dioxide, as described herein.

In some embodiments, the white pigment is calcium carbonate.

In some embodiments, the at least one white pigment comprises a UV absorbing pigment or a UV reflecting pigment. In some embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises a UV reflecting white pigment and UV absorbing pigment; or a UV absorbing white pigment.

In some embodiments, the at least one white pigment comprises a microvoiding pigment as described herein. In some embodiments, the microvoiding pigment is a UV reflecting white pigment. In some embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises a microvoiding UV reflecting white pigment and a UV absorbing pigment.

As described herein, the UV absorbing pigment reduced the amount of UV light reflected within the material, which may cause photodegradation, and reduced the amount of UV light transmitted by the material. Reduced transmission of UV light in netting and crop cover materials can also reduce sunburn on, for example, fruit and vegetables beneath the canopy of the netting or crop cover, and other UV related stress on plants.

The at least one white pigment may comprise one or more white pigments in the form of particles. In some embodiments, the at least one white pigment is a particulate material.

In some embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises titanium dioxide substantially in the rutile crystal form. Titanium dioxide in rutile crystal form is capable of scattering near-infrared light while also providing low scattering and low absorbance of visible light. Such properties may be obtained when the titanium dioxide has an average particle size as defined above.

Titanium dioxide substantially in the rutile crystal form and having a large average particle size, as defined herein, is distinct from conventional pigmentary titanium dioxide and may be referred to herein as non-conventional titanium dioxide.

Titanium dioxide in the rutile form having an average particle size as defined above reflects significantly more near-infrared light and less visible light than conventional titanium dioxide pigment. The reflection in the visible spectrum as a percent of incoming radiation is more similar to the infrared spectrum, while conventional titanium dioxide reflects more visible light in proportion to the infrared spectrum. Such non-conventional titanium dioxide is commercially available, for example, from Huntsman Corporation under the trade name Altiris® 550 and Altiris® 800 and from Tayca Corporation under the trade name JR-1000.

WO 2011/101657 A1, WO 2011/101658 A1, and WO 2011/101659 A1, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, describe titanium dioxide in the rutile crystal form having a large average particle size, relative to conventional pigmentary titanium dioxide.

As described therein, crystal size is distinct from particle size. Crystal size relates to the size of the fundamental crystals which make up the particulate material. Crystals may aggregate to form larger particles. For example, conventional titanium dioxide in the rutile crystal form has a crystal size of about 0.17 μm-0.29 μm and a particle size of about 0.25 μm-0.40 μm, while conventional titanium dioxide in the anatase crystal form has a crystal size of about 0.10 μm-0.25 μm and a particle size of about 0.20 μm-0.40 μm. Particle size is affected by factors such as the crystal size and milling technique used during production.

In some embodiments, the particle size of the titanium dioxide is greater than the crystal size. In other embodiments, the particle size of the titanium dioxide is about equal to the crystal size. In one embodiment, the average particle size is about equal to the average crystal size. In another embodiment, the ratio of the average particle size to the average crystal size ratio is less than 1.4.

The crystal size and particle size of the titanium dioxide may be determined by methods well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the crystal size may be determined by transmission electron microscopy on a sample and analysis of the resulting image.

The particulate material comprises titanium dioxide substantially in the rutile crystal form because of its high refractive index. In some embodiments, greater than 90% by weight of the titanium dioxide, greater than 95% by weight of the titanium dioxide, or greater than 99% by weight of the titanium dioxide, is in the rutile crystal form. In some embodiments, the particulate material may further comprise titanium dioxide in the anatase crystal form.

The titanium dioxide may by prepared using natural ores such as ilmenite and mineral rutile, enriched ores such as titanium slag and beneficiated ilmenite, or both as the starting raw material. The titanium dioxide may be prepared by modifying known processes for the preparation of titanium dioxide. Examples of known processes include but are not limited to the sulfate, chloride, fluoride, hydrothermal, aerosol and leaching processes. To provide the desired titanium dioxide, each of these processes is modified by: (a) treating at a higher temperature, for example, 900° C. or higher; (b) treating for a longer period of time, for example, 5 hours or more; (c) increasing or reducing typical levels of growth moderators present during the process; and/or (d) reducing the typical level of rutile seeds. In some embodiments, the titanium dioxide is commercially available.

In some embodiments, the titanium dioxide comprises doped titanium dioxide. As used herein, “doped titanium dioxide” refers to titanium dioxide that includes one or more dopants which have been incorporated during preparation of the titanium dioxide. The dopants may be incorporated by known processes. Examples of dopants include, but are not limited to, calcium, magnesium, sodium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, aluminum, antimony, phosphorus, niobium or cesium. In some embodiments, the dopant is incorporated in an amount of no more than 30% by weight, no more than 15% by weight, orno more than 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the titanium dioxide. In some embodiments, the dopant is incorporated in an amount of from 0.1 to 30% by weight, or 0.5 to 15% by weight, or 1 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the titanium dioxide. Typically, the doped titanium dioxide issubstantially in the rutile crystal form because of its high refractive index. In some embodiments, the particulate material may further comprise doped titanium dioxide in an anatase crystal form.

In one embodiment, the doped titanium dioxide is nickel antimony titanate or chromium antimony titanate. In another embodiment, the doped titanium oxide is chromium antimony titanate.

In certain embodiments, the dopant is incorporated by adding a salt of the dopant to the pulp during preparation of the titanium dioxide. In some embodiments, the dopant is manganese, aluminium or potassium. In certain embodiments, manganese sulphate is added at a concentration of <0.2% by weight (wt/wt). For example, manganese sulphate may be added at a concentration of from 0.01 to 0.2% by weight (wt/wt). In other embodiments, Al₂O₃ and K₂O are added to the pulp. For example, from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of Al₂O₃ (wt/wt) and 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of K₂O (wt/wt) may be added to the pulp. In a particular embodiment, 0.05%> by weight of Al₂O₃ (wt/wt) and 0.2%> by weight of K₂O (wt/wt) are added to the pulp. In another particular embodiment, 0.2%> by weight K₂O (wt/wt) and 0.2%> by weight Al₂O₃ (wt/wt) are added to the pulp.

In some embodiments, the particulate material comprises coated titanium dioxide.

In some embodiments, the coated titanium dioxide provides UV light protection without also increasing UV light activated photocatalytic effects, which are generally observed with conventional titanium dioxide. Such coated titanium dioxide can provide netting material with improved durability/longevity to UV light exposure. In some embodiments, the coated titanium dioxide also has low visible scattering.

In some embodiments, the coated titanium dioxide comprises coated doped titanium dioxide. In certain embodiments, the titanium dioxide is doped with a dopant that can act as recombination centres for holes and electrons. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that increased recombination provides decreased UV stimulated photocatalytic activity. In one embodiment, the dopant is chromium, manganese, and/or vanadium.

The coated titanium dioxide is prepared by depositing an effects coating material onto the particles surface. With such coating, the titanium dioxide exhibits increased UV light protective capability as compared to conventional pigmentary crystal size titanium dioxide. It also exhibits reduced photocatalytic activity and improved dispersibilty.

The titanium dioxide may be milled, since the optical performance depends on reducing the average particle size so that it tends towards the crystal size. The titanium dioxide may be wet milled (e.g. sand or bead milled) and may be subsequently separated from the aqueous medium by coating the particles with, for example, aluminium oxyhydroxide. The titanium dioxide must be dispersed prior to milling. A crude alumina coating renders the titanium dioxide flocculent at neutral pH, facilitating filtration and washing prior to drying.

The coatings may be used to impart, for example, dispersibilty, photocatalytic inertness, or photostability.

Coating materials suitable for use include those commonly used to coat an inorganic oxide or hydrous oxide onto the surface of particles. Typical inorganic oxides and hydrous oxides include oxides and/or hydrous oxides of silicon, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, magnesium, zinc, cerium, phosphorus, or tin, for example, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, ZrO₂, CeO₂, P₂O₅, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, sodium aluminate, aluminum chloride, aluminum sulphate, and mixtures thereof. The amount of coating coated onto the surface of the titanium dioxide or doped titanium dioxide may range from about 0.1% by weight to about 20% by weight of the inorganic oxide and/or hydrous oxide relative to the total weight of the titanium dioxide or doped titanium dioxide.

Coating materials suitable for use also include, silica, dense amorphous silica, zirconia, aluminium phosphate, titania, tin, antimony, manganese and cerium. In some embodiments, the coating is white or colourless.

Particles of the titanium dioxide may be coated with any suitable amount of coating material. In some embodiments, the particles are coated with the coating material at a level of up to about 7% by weight. In certain embodiments, the level is from about 0.1% to about 7% by weight or from about 0.2% to about 7% by weight, relative to the total weight of titanium dioxide.

In some embodiments, the particles comprise a dense silica coating, an alumina coating, a zirconia coating or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the particles comprise a coating of from 1-3% alumina and/or 2-4% silica.

In some embodiments, two or more coating materials may be used to coat the particles. The coatings may be applied simultaneously to produce a single layer or successively to produce two or more layers, wherein each layer may have a different composition. In one embodiment, the particles are coated with silica, such as dense silica, to produce a first layer, and also with zirconia to produce a second layer.

Coated titanium dioxide may be prepared by treating titanium dioxide with a coating material, as known in the art. For example, the titanium dioxide may be dispersed in water along with the coating material, and the pH of the solution adjusted to precipitate the desired hydrated oxide to form a coating on the surface of the particulate material. After coating, the coated material may be washed and dried before being ground, for example, in a fluid energy mill or micronizer, to separate agglomerates formed during coating. At this milling stage, an organic surface treatment, may also be applied.

The titanium dioxide particles may be milled prior to coating. In some embodiments, the particles may be dry milled, for example with a Raymond mill, or they may be wet milled, for example with a fine media mill or sandmill, or both. Generally, to wet mill, the particles are dispersed in water and ground into sub micrometer sized particles to form an aqueous slurry.

In another embodiment, the particles may be dry milled using a Raymond mill and then wet milled in a fine media mill containing Ottawa sand. During wet milling, the particles may be slurried to 350 grams/litre and milled for 30 minutes. After wet milling, the sand may be separated from the slurry, such as by settling or any other suitable means to form the aqueous slurry.

Particles may be coated by adding a suitable coating material to the aqueous slurry prior to or during a pH adjustment to effect precipitation. For example, the effect coating material may be added to the aqueous slurry first, followed by pH adjustment; alternatively, the pH of the aqueous slurry may be adjusted while the effect coating material is being added to the aqueous slurry.

Suitable coating materials include, but are not limited to, salts such as zirconium sulphate, phosphoric acid, and sodium silicate. In the case of zirconium sulphate, zirconyl oxy hydroxide may be precipitated onto the surface of the particles to coat the particles; in the case of sodium silicate, silica may be precipitated onto the surface of the particles to coat the particles.

In one exemplary embodiment, the aqueous slurry comprising particles of titanium dioxide is introduced into a tank for stirring. The temperature of the aqueous slurry may then be adjusted to 75° C. and its pH adjusted to 10.5. The coating material may then be introduced into the stirred tank in an amount sufficient to produce the desired coating. For example, to produce a 1% by weight dense silica coating, 1% silica (% wt/wt on titanium dioxide) is added to the stirred tank over 30 minutes and mixed for 30 minutes. Similarly, to produce a 3% by weight dense silica coating, 3% silica (% wt/wt on titanium dioxide) is added. In one embodiment, the coating material used to provide a silica coating is sodium silicate.

To precipitate a dense silica coating onto the particles, the pH may be adjusted by adding sulphuric acid to the stirred tank. In a particular embodiment, sulphuric acid is added over 60 minutes to bring the pH to 8.8 and then over 35 minutes to further adjust the pH to 1.3.

The particles of titanium dioxide or doped titanium dioxide coated with dense silica may then be coated with an alumina coating to, for example, assist onward processing such as filtration. In one embodiment, the particles are further coated with 0.6% by weight alumina by adding caustic sodium aluminate to the stirred tank over 25 minutes to bring the pH to 10.25, at which point the contents of the tank are mixed for 20 minutes. Sulphuric acid can then be added to the tank to adjust the pH to 6.5.

After coating, the coated titanium dioxide or doped titanium dioxide may then be washed and dried before grinding in, for example, a micronizer or fluid energy mill. Generally, this grinding step separates particles that have aggregated during the coating and/or drying procedures.

During this grinding step the coated material may be treated with a surface treatment. Surface treatments include, for example, organic surface treatments such as treatment with polyols, amines, and silicone derivatives. In one embodiment, the organic surface treatment comprises treatment with trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, triethanolamine, n-octyl phosphonic acid, trimethylolethane, or a combination thereof. Organic surface treatments may improve the dispersibilty of the coated titanium dioxide.

In one embodiment, the coated titanium dioxide particles are treated to selectively remove particular size fractions. In one embodiment, particles greater than or equal to 5 μm in diameter are removed. In another embodiment, particles greater than or equal to 3 μm in diameter are removed. Any suitable method for removal may be used. In some embodiments, selective removal may be performed by centrifugation.

The titanium dioxide may be dispersed within suitable vehicle for incorporation into the resin. In certain embodiments, non-conventional titanium dioxide is incorporated into the netting material in an amount from about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight of the material. In certain embodiments non-conventional titanium dioxide is incorporated into the netting material in an amount from about 1% to about 4.0% by weight of the material. In certain embodiments non-conventional titanium dioxide is incorporated into the netting material in an amount of 0.2%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5%, or 6%.

In some embodiments, the at least one pigment consists essentially of non-conventional titanium dioxide. In certain embodiments, the at least one pigment is non-conventional titanium dioxide.

As shown, in the Figures such non-conventional titanium dioxide advantageously has the desired absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance profile.

In one embodiment, the at least one pigment comprises conventional titanium dioxide. Such titanium dioxide is readily commercially available.

Conventional pigmentary titanium dioxide is typically used in the netting material in combination with at least one additional pigment. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises conventional titanium dioxide and at least one additional pigment.

In certain embodiments, the additional pigment comprises a particulate material that forms microvoids on stretching the monofilament, yarn, multifilament yarn, or tape from which the netting material is formed or a film material from which tape is cut. In some embodiments, the microvoiding pigment is barium sulphate and/or calcium carbonate.

In some embodiments, the netting material comprises microvoids in the material. In some embodiments, the microviods have been formed by stretching monofilament, yarn, or tape from which the netting material is formed or a film material from which tape is cut.

In some embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises a particulate material that forms microvoids when monofilament, yarn, or tape from which the netting material is formed or a film material from which tape is cut is stretched. Such particulate materials may be referred to herein as microvoiding pigments. Stretching monofilament, yarn, or tape from which the netting material is formed which comprises microvoiding pigments causes the pigment to to at least partially debond or separate from the polymer(s) of the resin from which the monofilament, yarn or tape of the netting material is formed. In some embodiments, the microvoids are formed by stretching mono-axially or bi-axially. For many applications mono-orientation is preferred with tapes being stretched to a length of at least 5 times greater or more.

The microvoids create areas in which the difference in refractive index between the air and the polymer(s) results in light scattering. The presence of microvoids in the material contribute to the reflectance and transmittance properties of the material. In some embodiments, stretching monofilament, yarn, or tape from which the netting material is formed or a film material from which tape is cut, to create microvoids increases the opacity of the monofilament, yarn, tape or film material.

In some embodiments, the microvoiding pigment is at least partially debonded or separated from the polymer(s) of the resin to create the microvoids is an inorganic pigment.

In some embodiments, the microvoiding pigment is a is a white pigment. In some embodiments, the white microvoiding pigment is an inorganic pigment. In some embodiments, the white inorganic pigment is a metal salt or oxide. In some embodiments the white inorganic pigment that create micro voids is barium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, or a combination thereof.

In exemplary embodiments, the white pigment that creates microvoids is zirconium dioxide, barium sulphate and/or calcium carbonate. In exemplary embodiments, the white pigment that creates microvoids is barium sulphate and/or calcium carbonate. In one embodiment, the microvoiding pigment is calcium carbonate.

The stretching or orienting the polymer/pigment mixture also assists the development of thermic properties of the material.

In some embodiments, the microvoiding pigment is barium sulphate or calcium carbonate, as a mineral obtained from mining or as a precipitate from manufacturing. In one embodiment, the pigment is processed to a fine micron size in the range 0.05 to 10 microns. In some embodiments, the size is in the range 0.5-3 microns or 0.7-1.0 micron. Other useful white pigments for use as microvoiding pigments are described above.

In some embodiments, the material comprises comprises microvoids that have been formed by stretching monofilament, yarn, or tape from or a film material from which the tape is cut, formed from a resin comprising at least one microvoiding pigment. In some embodiments, the resin further comprises a UV absorbing pigment. In some embodiments, the UV absorbing pigment is an inorganic pigment. In some embodiments, the UV absorbing pigment is titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

In some embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises at least one UV absorbing pigment. In some embodiments, the UV absorbing pigment is an organic UV absorbing pigment or an inorganic UV absorbing pigment.

In some embodiments the at least one pigment comprises an organic UV absorbing pigment. In some embodiments the organic UV absorbing pigment is chosen from the group consisting of benzotriazole, cyanoacrylates, phenylacrylate, oxanilides, benzophenones, hydroxyphenyltriazines, hyrdoxyphenylbenzotriazole, tri and octyl methoxycinnamate, aminobenzoic acid, aminobenzoate and oxybenzone.

In some embodiments the organic UV absorbing pigment is added at a rate of 0.01% to 5% by weight.

In some embodiments the at least one pigment comprises an inorganic UV absorbing pigment. In some embodiments, the UV absorbing pigment is a white pigment or colourless pigment. In some embodiments the inorganic UV absorbing pigment is clear or substantially clear. In some embodiments the inorganic clear or substantially clear UV absorbing pigment is chosen from the group consisting of nano zinc oxide and cerium dioxide.

In some embodiments the inorganic clear UV absorbing pigment is added at a rate of 0.1% to 5% by weight.

In some embodiments the at least one pigment comprises an inorganic white UV absorbing pigment. In some embodiments the inorganic white UV absorbing pigment is chosen from the group consisting of barium titanate, magnesium titanate, strontium titanate, neodymium titanate, tin oxide, titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, silica, alumina, zinc oxide, zinc sulphide, zinc sulphate, zirconium silicate and magnesium oxide. In some embodiments, the inorganic white UV absorbing pigment is titanium dioxide.

In some embodiments the inorganic white UV absorbing pigment is added at a rate of 0.1% to 5% by weight.

The at least one UV absorbing pigment is present in the monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape in an amount such that the material has the desired absorbance profile. The UV absorbing pigment decreases the reflectance in the 280-400 nm or 300-380 nm range by increasing UV absorbance. Increasing the absorbance in the UV range improves the life of the polymer by protecting the polymer from UV light, and reduces plants exposure to excessive amounts of UV light, which may cause sunburn. The UV absorbing pigment absorbs UV light before free radicals can be produced by interaction of the UV light waves with the polymer.

In some embodiments, the at least one pigment comprises an UV absorbing pigment and one or more additional pigments. In one embodiment, the additional pigment is an inorganic pigment, an organic pigment, or a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the additional pigment is a white or colourless pigment or combination of pigments. In some embodiments, the white or colourless pigment is an inorganic pigment, an organic pigment, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the additional pigment is a white or colourless inorganic pigment selected from zirconium dioxide, magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, zinc sulphide, calcium carbonate, barium sulphate, magnesium oxide, strontium carbonate, barium carbonate, potassium oxide, conventional pigmentary titanium dioxide, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the additional pigment is a white or colourless organic pigment.

In some embodiments, the additional pigment is coloured. Including a coloured pigment in the resin can provide the netting or ground cover material with a coloured tint. The pigment selected depends on the desired colour.

In some embodiments, the coloured pigment is a single coloured pigment or a mixture of two or more coloured pigments that provide the desired colour.

In some embodiments, the coloured pigment is an inorganic or organic coloured pigment. Examples of coloured organic pigments include azo, anthraquinone, phthalocyanine, perinone/perylene, indigo/thioindigo, dioxazine, quinacridone, isoindolinone, isoindoline, diketopyrrolopyrrole, azomethine and azomethine-azo pigments.

In some embodiments, the additional pigment(s) decreases the amount of infrared light transmitted and/or increases the amount of visible light transmitted.

In embodiments where the at least one pigment comprises two or more individual pigments, the individual pigments may be combined by any suitable method known in the art. In one embodiment, the pigments are combined by mixing. In some embodiments, the pigments are combined before addition to the polymer(s) of the resin. In some embodiments, the pigments are combined by adding one or more of the individual pigments to the polymer(s) of the resin separately to the other pigment(s), and in any order.

As referred to previously in some embodiments the material may also incorporate a compound or compounds added to increase the extent to which the material reflects and/or absorbs radiation.

As referred to previously in some embodiments the material may also incorporate a compound or compounds added to increase the extent to which the material transmits and/or absorbs radiation.

As referred to previously in some embodiments the material may also incorporate a compound or compounds added to increase the extent to which the material reflects and/or absorbs solar radiation.

In some embodiments the material is of denier 50 to 2000 or 100 to 1000 and most typically 300 to 800 or 400 to 600.

The material may be constructed to have a higher knitted or woven or non-woven density in parallel side margins of the material, so that these side margins of the material are stronger.

FIGS. 1 to 13 show by way of example sections of netting material.

FIGS. 1a and 1b shows a section of one form of knitted hexagonal monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 10-15%.

FIGS. 2a and 2b shows a section of one form leno woven based monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 20-25%.

FIGS. 3a and 3b shows a section of one form of knitted diamond monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 15-20%.

FIGS. 4a and 4b shows a section of one form leno woven based monofilament and tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 20-25%.

FIGS. 5a and 5b shows a section of one form knitted diamond monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 5-10.

FIGS. 6a and 6b shows a section of one form extruded diamond monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 3-8%.

FIGS. 7a and 7b shows a section of one form pillar monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 30 to 35%.

FIGS. 8a and 8b shows a section of one form non woven netting, having a cover factor of approximately 90 to 95%.

FIGS. 9a and 9b shows a section of one form woven tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 80 to 85%.

FIGS. 10a and 10b shows a section of one form pillar monofilament and tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 35 to 40%.

FIGS. 11a and 11b shows a section of one form pillar monofilament netting, having a cover factor of approximately 45 to 50%.

FIGS. 12a and 12b shows a section of one form knitted diamond monofilament and tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 25-30%.

FIGS. 13a and 13b shows a section of one form knitted diamond monofilament and tape netting, having a cover factor of approximately 20-25%.

Typically reflective netting of the invention has a cover factor of 50% or less. Where the netting is knitted shade cloth however, for example, it may have a higher cover factor, up to 95% but typically still less than 70%. Where the netting is woven shade cloth however, for example, it may have a higher cover factor, up to 85% but typically still less than 70%.

In some embodiments reflective netting of the invention may comprise air space apertures through the material of widest dimension about 30 mm. In other embodiments reflective netting of the invention may comprise air space apertures through the material of widest dimension about 20 mm. In some embodiments reflective netting of the invention may comprise air space apertures through the material of widest dimension in the range 10-30 mm and also in the range of 1 to 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the netting material has a form substantially as depicted in any one of the accompanying Figures.

As referred to previously the netting may be knitted or woven or formed in a non-woven construction, from monofilament, yarn, or tape or a combination. Yarn may comprise multiple synthetic fibres twisted together (multifilaments). Tape may for example be formed by extruding synthetic sheet material from the resin, and then cutting the extruded sheet material to form long tapes of typically 1 to 5 mm of width.

The yarn or tape from which the netting, crop cover, or ground cover is formed has reflectance in the near infrared wavelength range, and reflects at least 10%, or 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% or more light within this wavelength range.

In some embodiments the material is a ground cover material, which may be a woven material woven from flat warp and weft tapes of a plastics material. The tapes may be formed by extruding a film material from a polymer resin and then cutting the film into tapes which are in turn used to weave the material, or by extruding individual tapes. Optionally a woven material may be coated on at least one side with a coating which closes any porosity in the woven material. Alternatively the ground cover material may be a film material.

Trials

Trial 1—Crop Cover Effect on Temperature

A field trial was carried out on Blackberries in Oregon, United States of America to determine the effect of crop cover material according to the invention on temperature under the cover over time.

Rain cover fabric was installed over a hoop structure that measured 14 foot at the apex. The Rain cover fabric was approximately 12 feet in height where it crossed the row of blackberry bushes which were pruned to approximately 6 foot at the start of the trial. Data was collected from the east row of the coverage. Distance of the Rain cover fabric above the bushes started at 6 feet above the bushes and moved higher to the apex of the hoop which is between the two covered rows.

The Rain cover fabric panel covering the blackberries was comprised of 4 individual 40′ panels sewn together for an overall length of 160′.

The temperature sensor was a TempRecord Multi-Trip MK III combination sensor/data logger unit. The loggers were placed directly over the east row of the two rows covered by the Rain cover fabric panels. Loggers were placed at 78 inches above ground level.

The Rain cover fabric material was woven non-pigmented polymer material plus stabilisers, with a plastic coating on the top and on the bottom, as follows:

Top coating: LDPE 25 gsm

Woven polymer: HDPE 105 gsm

Bottom coating: LDPE 25 gsm.

Rain cover fabric 1 had 0% Altiris 800® added to the coating

Rain cover fabric 2 had 1% Altiris 800® added to the coating

Rain cover fabric 3 had 2% Altiris 800® added to the coating

Rain cover fabric 4 had 3% Altiris 800® added to the coating.

Tables 1 and 2 below show the percentage of time at certain temperatures under the Rain cover fabric 1, Rain cover fabric 2, Rain cover fabric 3, and Rain cover fabric 4.

As can be seen from the data below, the addition of Altiris to the coating of the Rain cover fabric material provides a reduction in the period of time that high temperatures of over 30° C. were reached.

TABLE 1 9 to 22 Aug. 2013 - Oregon PERCENTAGE OF TIME AT TEMPERATURE Temp Rain cover Rain cover Rain cover Rain cover (° C.) fabric 1 fabric 2 fabric 3 fabric 4 Average 21.0 20.7 20.6 20.5 Over 35  0%  0%  0%  0% Over 30 18% 14% 11% 11% Over 25 17% 19% 20% 20% Over 20 14% 16% 16% 16% Over 15 26% 26% 27% 26% Over 10 24% 23% 24% 24% Over 5  2%  2%  2%  2% 5 or under  0%  0%  0%  0%

TABLE 2 24 August To 5 Sep. 2013 - Oregon PERCENTAGE OF TIME AT TEMPERATURE Temp Rain cover Rain cover Rain cover Rain cover (° C.) fabric 1 fabric 2 fabric 3 fabric 4 Average 20.4 20.1 20.0 19.9 Over 35  0%  0%  0%  0% Over 30  9%  6%  6%  5% Over 25 17% 19% 19% 19% Over 20 16% 17% 18% 18% Over 15 38% 37% 38% 37% Over 10 19% 20% 20% 21% Over 5  0%  0%  0%  0% 5 or under  0%  0%  0%  0%

Trial 2—Crop Cover Material Effect on Sunburn

A field trial was carried out on Blackberries in Albany, Oreg., United States of America to determine the effect of crop cover material of the invention on sunburn.

The rows were 10 feet wide with two rows covered by each Rain cover fabric panel. The rows were running from North to South.

A Rain cover fabric was installed over a hoop structure that measures 14 foot at the apex. The Rain cover fabric was approximately 12 feet in height where it crossed the row of blackberry bushes which were pruned to approximately 6 foot at the start of the trial. Data was collected from the east row of the coverage. Distance of the Rain cover fabric above the bushes started at 6 feet above the bushes and moved higher to the apex of the hoop which is between the two covered rows.

The Rain cover fabric panel covering the blackberries was comprised of 4 individual 40′ panels sewn together for an overall length of 160′.

The control material, Rain cover fabric 1, was woven non-pigmented polymer material plus stabilisers, with a plastic coating on the top and on the bottom, as follows:

Top coating: LDPE 25 gsm

Woven polymer: HDPE 105 gsm

Bottom coating: LDPE 25 gsm.

Four different variations of trial material were used:

Rain cover fabric 4—3% Altiris 800® added to the coating

Rain cover fabric 3—2% Altiris 800® added to the coating

Rain cover fabric 2—1% Altiris 800® added to the coating

Rain cover fabric 1—0% Altiris 800® added to the coating.

Open was with no cover.

As shown in Table 3 below, the effect of using 1% Altiris was a reduction in sunburn from 34.8% with no cover to 1.1% sunburn with the addition of 1% Altiris.

Harvest dates were 7 Aug. 2013, 15 Aug. 2013 and 23 Aug. 2013.

TABLE 3 Results of sunbum reduction trial in Oregon, USA Total fruit Total fruit % Rain cover fabric no. with sunburn burn Rain cover fabric 4 295 0 0.0% Rain cover fabric 3 541 2 0.4% Rain cover fabric 2 547 6 1.1% Rain cover fabric 1 642 41 6.4% OPEN 414 144 34.8%

Trial 3—Netting Material Effect on Temperature

A field trial was carried out on apples, Fuji variety, in Vantage, Wash., United States of America to determine the effect of netting material of the invention on temperature under the netting material over time.

The rows were running from East to West. The rows were 14 feet spacing in a V-trellis system. The total row length was approximately 1100 feet. Three rows were covered.

The net was suspended above the trees on a post and wire structure. The net height was 15 feet above the ground.

The netting was applied on 5 Aug. 2013.

The solar radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout Silicon Pyranometer with a range between 300 to 1100 nanometers. The UV radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout UV Light sensor, measuring between 250 to 400 nanometers. The Par Light was measured with a Watchdog External Temperature Sensor, at 400-700 nm.

The data was logged with a WatchDog 1000 Series Model 1400 Micro Station. The sensors were placed on a T-bar at 10′ above ground level.

Two nets were trialled:

Net 1-2% conventional titanium dioxide, with 35% coverage

Net 2-8% micro voiding pigments and 1% Altiris 800®, with 35% coverage.

The control area had no cover.

As shown in Table 4 below, Net 2 had a greater reduction in heat in temperatures over 100° F. of 66%, compared to 34% for Net 1. Net 2 also had a greater reduction in heat in temperatures between 80° F.-100° F. of 9%, compared to 3% for Net 1.

TABLE 4 Net Trial - Fuji Apples Results of Trial in Washington State, USA, 3 and 4 Sep. 2013 Percentage Hours Hours reduction Percentage Average above above in heat - reduction Temperature 100 F. 80 F. temperatures in heat (*F.) per day per day over 100° F. 80-100° F. No net 81.5 3.4 10.5 cover Net 1 80.8 2.3 10.2 34% 3% Net 2 78.1 1.2 9.6 66% 9%

Trial 4—Netting Material Effect on Temperature

A field trial was carried out on Blackberries in Oregon, United States of America to determine the effect of netting material of the invention on temperature under the netting material over time.

The data was collected over a period of 13 days, from 24 August until 5 Sep. 2013.

The net was installed over a hoop structure that measured 14 foot at the apex. The net was approximately 12 feet in height where it crossed the row of blackberry bushes which were pruned to approximately 6 foot at the start of the trial. Data was collected from the east row of the coverage. Distance of the net above the bushes started at 6 feet above the bushes and moved higher to the apex of the hoop which was between the two covered rows.

The temperature sensor was a TempRecord Multi-Trip MK III combination sensor/data logger unit. The loggers were placed directly over the east row of the two rows covered by the net. Loggers were placed at 78 inches above ground level.

Two nets were trialled:

Net 1-2% conventional titanium dioxide

Net 2-10% micro voiding pigments and 1% conventional titanium dioxide.

The nets were placed over steel hoops to form the tunnel house.

The control area had no cover.

As shown in Table 5 below, high temperatures of over 30° C. were reached only 3% of the time with Net 2, compared to 6% of time with Net 1. In addition, the mean temperature with Net 2 was 0.2 degrees lower, compared to Net 1.

TABLE 5 Net trial - Blackberries Percentage of time at temperature Trial period: 24 August to 5 Sep. 2013 (13 days) Temp (° C.) No cover Net 1 Net 2 Average 20.0 19.6 19.4 Over 35  1%  0%  0% Over 30  8%  6%  3% Over 25 16% 16% 18% Over 20 16% 18% 20% Over 15 34% 38% 38% Over 10 24% 23% 22% Over 5  1%  0%  0% 5 or under  0%  0%  0%

Trial 5—Netting Material Effect on Solar Radiation

A field trial carried out on apples, Fuji variety, in Vantage, Wash., United States of America to determine the effect of netting material of the invention on solar radiation.

The rows were running from East to West. The rows were 14 feet spacing in a V-trellis system. The total row length was approximately 1100 feet. Three rows were covered. The net was suspended above the trees on a post and wire structure. The net height was 15 feet above the ground.

The netting was applied on 5 Aug. 2013. The trials were conducted on 3 to 4 Sep. 2013.

The solar radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout Silicon Pyranometer with a range between 300 to 1100 nanometers. The UV radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout UV Light sensor, measuring between 250 to 400 nanometers. The Par Light was measured with a Watchdog External Temperature Sensor 400-700 nanometers.

The data was logged with a WatchDog 1000 Series Model 1400 Micro Station. The sensors were placed on a T-bar at 10′ above ground level.

Two nets were trialled:

Net 1-2% conventional titanium dioxide with 35% coverage

Net 2-8% micro voiding pigments and 1% Altiris 800® with 35% coverage.

Table 6 below shows that:

Net 2 had an increased reduction in UV light of 29%, compared to 26% reduction for Net 1

Net 2 had an increased reduction in Solar Radiation of 22%, compared to 17% reduction for Net 1

Net 2 had an increased reduction in Infrared Radiation of 17%, compared to 9% reduction for Net 1.

TABLE 6 Net Trial - Fuji Apples, Washington State, USA 3 and 4 Sep. 2013 Solar Infrared Radiation Radiation UV Light (wat/m2) (wat/m2) 280 to PAR 300 to 700 to 400 nm 400-700 1100 nm 1100 nm Incoming Solar 1,981 35,254 76,812 39,577 radiation Net 1 - wat/m2 1,467 26,253 64,123 36,133 Net 2 - wat/m2 1,411 25,436 59,622 32,755 Net 1 - reduction % 26% 25% 17%  9% Net 2 - reduction % 29% 28% 22% 17%

Trial 6—Netting Material Effect on Solar Radiation

A field trial was carried out on apples, Fuji variety, in Vantage, Wash., United States of America to determine the effect of netting materials of the invention on solar radiation.

The rows were running from East to West. The rows were 14 feet spacing in a V-trellis system. The total row length was approximately 1100 feet. Three rows were covered. The net was suspended above the trees on a post and wire structure. The net height was 15 feet above the ground.

The netting was applied on 5 Aug. 2013. The trial period was 3 and 4 Sep. 2013.

The solar radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout Silicon Pyranometer with a range between 300 to 1100 nanometers. The UV radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout UV Light sensor, measuring between 250 to 400 nanometers. The Par Light was measured with a Watchdog External Temperature Sensor, measuring between 400 to 700 nanometers.

The data was logged with a WatchDog 1000 Series Model 1400 Micro Station. The sensors were placed on a T-bar at 10′ above ground level.

Three nets were trialled:

Net 1—conventional titanium dioxide and 2% Altiris 800®, with 35% coverage

Net 2-8% micro voiding pigment and 1% Altiris 800®, with 35% coverage

Net 3-12% micro voiding pigment and 0.5% Altiris 800®, with 35% coverage.

Table 7 below shows that:

The reduction in the period of time high temperatures of over 100° F. were reached, with the addition of Altiris to the netting

The reduction in the percentage of time that high temperatures of over 100° F. were reached, with the addition of Altiris to the net

The higher percentage of reduction in infrared radiation, from 9% in the Titanium Dioxide net to 17% in the netting with Altiris added.

TABLE 7 Net Trial - Fuji Apples Results of Heat Reflecting Netting Trial in Washington State, USA - 3 and 4 Sep. 2013 Percentage Percentage Hours Hours reduction reduction Percentage Average above above in Infrared in heat reduction Temperature 100 F. 80 F. radiation temperatures in heat (*F.) per day per day (wat/m2) over 100° F. 80-100° F. Incoming solar 81.5 3.4 10.5 radiation Net 1 80.8 2.3 10.2  9% 34% 3% Net 2 78.1 1.2 9.6 17% 66% 9% Net 3 78.6 0.2 9.4 17% 95% 10% 

Trial 7—Netting Material Effect on Solar Radiation A field trial was carried out on apples, Fuji variety, in Vantage, Wash., United States of America to determine the effect of netting material of the invention on solar radiation.

The rows were running from East to West. The rows were 14 feet spacing in a V-trellis system. The total row length was approximately 1100 feet. Three rows were covered. The net was suspended above the trees on a post and wire structure. The net height was 15 feet above the ground.

The netting was applied on 5 Aug. 2013. The trial period was 18 to 26 Aug. 2013.

The solar radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout Silicon Pyranometer with a range between 300 to 1100 nanometers. The UV radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout UV Light sensor, measuring between 250 to 400 nanometers. The Par Light was measured with a Watchdog External Temperature Sensor, measuring between 400 to 700 nanometers.

The data was logged with a WatchDog 1000 Series Model 1400 Micro Station. The sensors were placed on a T-bar at 10′ above ground level.

Four nets were trialled:

Net 1-35% coverage and 2% conventional titanium dioxide

Net 4-30% coverage and 2% Altiris 800®

Net 5-40% coverage and 2% Altiris 800®

Net 2-35% coverage with 8% micro voiding pigment and 1% Altiris 800®

Table 8 shows that:

Net 4 had a greater reduction in solar radiation of 19%, compared to 17% with Net 1, and a greater reduction in infrared radiation of 17% compared to 11% with Net 1

Net 5 had a greater reduction in solar radiation of 26% compared to 17% with Net 1, and a greater reduction in infrared radiation of 23% compared to 11% with Net 1

Net 2 had a greater reduction in solar radiation of 24% compared to 17% with Net 1, and a greater reduction in infrared radiation of 22% compared to 11% with Net 1.

TABLE 8 Net Trial - Fuji Apples Results of Heat Reflecting Netting Trial in Washington State, USA, 18-26 Aug. 2013 Solar Infrared UV Light Radiation Radiation wat/m2 wat/m2 wat/m2 280 to PAR 400 to 700 to 400 nm wat/m2 1100 nm 1100 nm Incoming Solar 8,962 148,826 336,342 178,824 radiation Net 1 - wat/m2 6,679 113,601 278,662 158,383 Net 4 - wat/m2 7,099 117,761 272,928 148,068 Net 5 - wat/m2 5,799 103,515 247,841 138,547 Net 2 - watt/m2 6,899 2,937,647 254,807 139,055 Net 1 - reduction in 23% 24% 17% 11% solar and infrared radiation (%) Net 4 - reduction in 18% 21% 19% 17% solar and infrared radiation (%) Net 5 - reduction in 34% 30% 26% 23% solar and infrared radiation (%) Net 2 - reduction in 21% 27% 24% 22% solar and infrared radiation (%)

Trial 8—Netting Material Effect on Sunburn

A field trial was carried out on apples, Granny Smith variety, in Wenatchee, Wash., United States of America.

The netting was applied on 5 May 2013. The crop was picked on 9 Sep. 2013. 200 apples were counted.

Two nets were trialled:

Net 1-14% micro voiding pigments and 1% conventional titanium dioxide, with 25% coverage

Net 2-2% conventional titanium dioxide, with 35% coverage.

As shown in the table below, Net 1 and Net 2 provide the same level of sunburn protection, even though Net 1 had a lower coverage.

TABLE COMPARATIVE HEAT REFLECTING MATERIAL TRIAL Results of Sunburn reduction trial Per- Per- Per- Per- Per- Per- Fruit Per- centage centage centage centage centage centage No. centage Sun- Sun- Sun- Sun- Sun- Sun- Sun- Sun- Sun- Sun- Sun- Sun- picked not burnt burn 1 burn 1 burn 2 burn 2 burn 3 burn 3 burn 4 burn 4 burn 5 burn 5 burn 6 burn 6 No net 199 32% 36 18% 44 22% 45 23% 7 4% 3 2% 0 0% Net 1 200 40% 71 36% 43 22% 7  4% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% No net 200 24% 45 23% 48 24% 31 16% 14 7% 6 3% 8 4% Net 2 200 39% 69 35% 41 21% 13  7% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%

Trial 9—Netting Material Effect on Solar Radiation

A field trial was carried out on apples, Fuji variety, in Vantage, Wash., United States of America.

The rows were running from East to West.

The rows were 14 feet spacing in a V-trellis system. The total row length was approximately 1100 feet. Three rows were covered. The net was suspended above the trees on a post and wire structure. The net height was 15 feet above the ground.

The netting was applied on 5 Aug. 2013. The trials were conducted on 6 to 9 Sep. 2013 (4 days).

The solar radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout Silicon Pyranometer with a range between 300 to 1100 nanometers. The UV radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout UV Light sensor, measuring between 250 to 400 nanometers. The Par Light was measured with a Watchdog External Temperature Sensor 400-700 nanometers.

The data was logged with a WatchDog 1000 Series Model 1400 Micro Station. The sensors were placed on a T-bar at 10′ above ground level.

Two net were trialled:

Net 1-2% conventional titanium dioxide with 35% coverage

Net 2-12% micro voiding pigments and 1% Altiris 800® with 35% coverage.

Table 10 below shows that:

Net 2 had an increased reduction in UV light of 34, compared to 26% reduction for Net 1

Net 2 had an increased reduction in Solar Radiation of 25%, compared to 17% reduction for Net 1

Net 2 had an increased reduction in Infrared Radiation of 19%, compared to 10% reduction for Net 1.

TABLE 10 Net Trial - Fuji Apples, Washington State, USA 6-9 Sep. 2013 (4 Days) Solar Infrared UV Light Radiation Radiation (wat/m2) PAR (wat/m2) (wat/m2) 280 to (wat/m2) 400 to 700 to 400 nm 400-700 1100 nm 1100 nm Incoming Solar 3,029 50,962 111,394 57,404 radiation Net 1 - wat/m2 2,241 37,950 92,040 51,850 Net 2 - wat/m2 2,002 35,647 83,950 46,302 Net 1 - reduction % 26% 26% 17% 10% Net 2 - reduction % 34% 30% 25% 19%

Trial 10—Netting Material Effect on Temperature

A field trial was carried out on apples, Fuji variety, in Vantage, Wash., United States of America.

The rows were running from East to West. The rows were 14 feet spacing in a V-trellis system. The total row length was approximately 1100 feet. Three rows were covered. The net was suspended above the trees on a post and wire structure. The net height was 15 feet above the ground.

The netting was applied on 5 Aug. 2013.

The solar radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout Silicon Pyranometer with a range between 300 to 1100 nanometers. The UV radiation was measured with a Watchdog LightScout UV Light sensor, measuring between 250 to 400 nanometers. The Par Light was measured with a Watchdog External Temperature Sensor, at 400-700 nm.

The data was logged with a WatchDog 1000 Series Model 1400 Micro Station. The sensors were placed on a T-bar at 10′ above ground level.

Two nets were trialled:

Net 1—2% conventional titanium dioxide with 35% coverage

Net 2—12% micro voiding pigments and 1% Altiris 800® with 35% coverage.

As shown below in Table 11, Net 2 reduced the percentage of time per day that high temperatures of over 35° C. were reached to 2%, compared to 5% with Net 1.

TABLE Net Trial - Fuji Apples Heat Reflecting Netting Trial, 6-9 Sep. 2014 (4 days) PERCENTAGE OF TIME AT TEMPERATURE Temp (° C.) No Net Net 1 Net 2 Average 20.56 20.38 19.64 Over 35 7%  5%  2% 30-35 9% 10% 11% 25-30 6%  6%  7% 20-25 20%  22% 19% 15-20 32%  32% 34% 10-15 26%  26% 28%  5-10 0%  0%  0% 5 or under 0%  0%  0%

Trial 11—Netting Material Effect on Sunburn

A field trial was carried out on apples, Fuji variety, in Vantage, Wash., United States of America.

The rows were running from East to West. The rows were 14 feet spacing in a V-trellis system. The total row length was approximately 1100 feet. Three rows were covered. The net was suspended above the trees on a post and wire structure. The net height was 15 feet above the ground.

The netting was applied on 5 Aug. 2013. The crop was scored for sunburn on 11 Sep. 2013.

Four nets were trialled:

Net 1-2% conventional titanium dioxide, with 35% coverage

Net 2—12% micro voiding pigments and 1% Altiris 800®, with 35% coverage

Net 3—8% micro voiding pigments and 0.5% Altiris 800®, with 40% coverage

Net 4—2% Altiris 800® with 25% coverage.

As shown in the Tables 12 and 13 below, the effect of using 2% Altiris was a significant reduction in the percentage of fruit with no sunburn from 64% with no cover to 86% with the addition of 2% Altiris.

TABLE 12 COMPARATIVE HEAT REFLECTING MATERIAL TRIAL Results of Sunburn reduction trial 13 August and 6 Sep. 2013 Fruit No. Total Not Percentage picked Burnt not burnt No net 175 112 64% Net 1 212 143 67% Net 2 177 137 78% Net 3 215 174 81% Net 4 233 200 86%

TABLE 13 COMPARATIVE HEAT REFLECTING MATERIAL TRIAL Results of Sunburn reduction trial 13 August and 6 Sep. 2013 Sunburn Percentage Sunburn Percentage Sunburn Percentage Sunburn Percentage Sunburn Percentage 1 Sunburn 1 2 Sunburn 2 3 Sunburn 3 4 Sunburn 4 5 Sunburn 5 No net 50 29% 11 6% 2 1% 0 0% 0 0% Net 1 63 30% 3 1% 1 0% 1 0% 1 0% Net 2 39 22% 1 1% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% Net 3 34 16% 3 1% 0 0% 2 1% 2 1% Net 4 28 12% 3 1% 1 0% 1 0% 0 0%

Trial 12—Netting Material Effect on Sunburn

A field trial was carried out on established on apples, Fuji variety, in Vantage, Wash., United States of America.

The rows were running from East to West. The rows were 14 feet spacing in a V-trellis system.

The total row length was approximately 1100 feet. Three rows were covered. The net was suspended above the trees on a post and wire structure. The net height was 15 feet above the ground.

The netting was applied on 5 Aug. 2013. The crop was scored for sunburn on 11 Sep. 2013.

Three nets were trialled:

Net 1—8% micro voiding pigments and 1% Altiris 800® with 25% coverage

Net 2—8% micro voiding pigments and 1% Altiris 800® with 30% coverage

Net 3—8% micro voiding pigments and 1% Altiris 800® with 40% coverage.

As shown in Tables 14 and 15, the percentage of sunburn decreased as the netting coverage was increased.

TABLE 14 COMPARATIVE HEAT REFLECTING MATERIAL TRIAL Results of Sunburn reduction trial 13 August and 6 Sep. 2013 Fruit No. Fruit not Percentage picked burnt not burnt No net 175 112 64% Net 1 155 108 70% Net 2 198 143 72% Net 2 177 137 78%

TABLE 15 COMPARATIVE HEAT REFLECTING MATERIAL TRIAL Results of Sunburn reduction trial 13 August and 6 Sep. 2013 Sunburn Percentage Sunburn Percentage Sunburn Percentage Sunburn Percentage Sunburn Percentage 1 Sunburn 1 2 Sunburn 2 3 Sunburn 3 4 Sunburn 4 5 Sunburn 5 No net 50 29% 11 6% 2 1% 0 0% 0 0% Net 1 33 21% 9 6% 2 1% 2 1% 1 0% Net 2 44 22% 8 4% 1 1% 0 0% 1 1% Net 2 39 22% 1 1% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%

Diffuse Transmittance

The diffuse transmittance of a series of the monofilament or tape or yarn that make up netting, crop cover or ground cover materials were measured by spectrophotometry to determine the effect of netting or crop cover or ground cover materials of the invention compared to conventional netting crop cover, or ground cover materials.

The monofilament or tape material was a prepared by (i) mixing the pigments into a masterbatch (ii) mixing the masterbatch with polymer (iii) extruding the mixture into a water bath for cooling, and (iv) then drawing though air or a water bath to orientate the mixture. A sample of the resulting is used for measuring the properties.

Conventional netting materials were prepared using conventional pigmentary titanium dioxide or mirco void generating pigment in the amount specified below. Netting materials of the invention were prepared using Altiris 800®, a combination of Altiris 800® and micro void generating pigment, or a combination of micro void generating pigment and zinc oxide or a combination of micro void generating pigment and conventional titanium dioxide in the amount specified below.

The spectrophotometer was based on a GSA/McPherson 2051 1 metre focal length monochromator fitted with a prism predisperser and also stray light filters. The light source is a current regulated tungsten halogen lamp. The bandwidth is adjustable up to 3 nm. The monochromatic beam from the monochromator is focused onto the sample or into the integrating sphere using off-axis parabolic mirrors. The integrating spheres are coated with pressed halon powder (PTFE powder). Halon powder is also used as the white reflectance reference material. The detector is usually a silicon photodiode connected to an electrometer amplifier and digital volt meter. The whole system is controlled using software written in LabVIEW. The detectors used can be photomultiplier tubes, silicon diodes or lead sulphide detectors.

The integrating sphere has an internal diameter of 120 mm and is coated with pressed halon powder. The sample is mounted on one port and the incident light port is at an angle of 90° around the sphere. The sphere rotates by 90° in the horizontal plane to allow the focused incident light to enter the sphere through the incident light port or the incident light to be transmitted through the sample and enter the sphere. The detector is mounted at the top of the sphere.

Diffuse transmittance over the 280-2,500 nm wavelength range was measured for monofilament or tape or yarn. The graphs are for 100% coverage.

Graphs of the diffuse transmittance are shown in FIGS. 15-47.

FIGS. 15-22 show diffuse transmittance graphs for prior art netting material.

FIGS. 23-35 show diffuse transmittance graphs for netting material of the invention.

FIGS. 36-38 show diffuse transmittance graphs for prior art crop cover material.

FIG. 39 shows diffuse transmittance graphs for crop cover material of the invention.

FIGS. 40-43 show diffuse transmittance graphs for prior art ground cover material.

FIGS. 44-47 show diffuse transmittance graphs for prior art ground cover material of the invention.

Data from which the graphs in FIGS. 15-47 were created are shown below in FIGS. 48-80, each of which contains a table showing the transmittance for each wavelength, a table showing transmittance average for each wavelength range, and a table showing transmittance difference each wavelength range.

The graphs show that netting, crop cover, and ground cover materials of the invention have advantageous UV, visible and heat transmission profiles.

Conventional titanium dioxide is currently used in the netting industry has limitations in that it blocks some of the light that plants use in the 400-700 nm range, and transmits heat rather than absorbing or reflecting it.

The graphs show that non-conventional titanium dioxide, as described herein, such as Altiris 800® transmits less heat and more visible light, which is used by plants for photosynthesis, than conventional titanium dioxide. The graphs also show that Altiris 800® has relatively low UV transmission.

The graphs show that the combination of Altiris 800® and a microvioding pigment and also the combination of a microvoiding pigment and a UV absorbing pigment, such as zinc oxide or conventional titanium dioxide have similar transmission properties.

The graphs demonstrate that use of a microvoiding pigment in combination with Altiris 800® allows the use of lower amounts Altiris 800®, while providing transmission profiles comparable to those obtained when Altiris 800® is used alone in comparatively higher amounts. This is useful as microvoiding pigments can be comparatively less expensive.

Several of the graphs are compared below.

2% Standard Titanium Dioxide Vs 10% Micro Void Pigment

In the UV region standard TiO2 transmits less UV light than the micro void pigments. Adding organic UV absorbers will reduce this transmittance in the UV region.

In the infrared region the micro void pigment transmits less heat than standard titanium dioxide.

The micro void pigments transmittance is more similar to Altiris than standard TiO2 from 400 nm to 2500 nm, but not exactly the same. The micro void pigment is allowing more light for plants though from 400 to 700 nm and reflecting more heat than TiO2.

2% Standard Titanium Dioxide Vs 2.5% Micro Void Pigment

The micro void pigments is a lower % than in the comparison above, therefore the transmittance is proportionally higher.

2% Standard Titanium dioxide vs 1% Altiris+5% Micro void pigments

In the UV region the combination of 1% Altiris and 5% micro void pigments has similar transmittance to 3% Altiris. Adding organic UV absorbers will reduce this transmittance in the UV region.

In the infrared and visible region the Altiris/micro void pigments combination has flattened the transmittance over the 400 nm to 1660 nm range, compared to TiO2, so that it is similar to 3% Altiris.

The Altiris/micro void pigments combination allows more light for plants through from 400 to 700 nm and reflects more heat than TiO2.

This combination of micro void pigments and Altiris reduces the costs of the formula.

10% Micro Void Pigments Vs 3% Altiris

Over the 1150 nm to 2500 nm wavelength range 10% micro void pigments has similar transmittance to 3% Altiris. But Altriris is allowing more plant light and reducing more heat.

In the UV range the Altiris has significantly less transmittance than the micro void pigments so it would need less organic UV absorbers to reduce this compared to the micro void pigments.

2.5% Micro void pigments vs 3% Altiris

Over the 280-2280 nm wavelength range 2.5% micro void pigments has greater transmittance than the 3% Altiris.

At around 420-500 nm the 2.4% micro void pigments and 3% Altiris have similar transmittance.

In the UV range the Altiris has significantly less transmittance than the micro void pigments. So it would need less organic UV absorbers to reduce this compared to the micro void pigments.

2.5% Micro Void Pigments Vs 10% Micro Void Pigments

In the UV region the 10% micro void pigments is blocking more UV light than the 2.5% micro void pigments. The transmittance has increased for 2.5% micro void pigments compared to 10% micro void pigments.

The micro void pigment generally has slightly increasing transmittance with increasing wavelength from 300 nm to 1660 nm.

2.5% Micro void pigments allows more light through for plants, but also allows more heat and UV through than 10% micro void pigments. 10% Micro void pigments has higher heat reflectance than 2.5% micro void pigments.

Diffuse Transmittance Data

Prior Art Netting Material

FIG. 48: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament 1%, TiO2 FIG. 48 Transmittance for each wavelength wavelength Mono (nm) 1% TiO2 280 0.1403 300 0.1553 320 0.1540 340 0.1557 360 0.1554 380 0.1629 400 0.2955 420 0.4304 440 0.4419 460 0.4527 480 0.4616 500 0.4716 520 0.4803 540 0.4899 560 0.4975 580 0.5058 600 0.5126 620 0.5220 640 0.5281 660 0.5357 680 0.5412 700 0.5490 720 0.5557 740 0.5642 760 0.5681 780 0.5745 800 0.5786 820 0.5848 840 0.5910 860 0.5952 880 0.6020 900 0.6051 920 0.6078 940 0.6110 960 0.6220 980 0.6262 1000 0.6322 1020 0.6325 1040 0.6398 1060 0.6494 1080 0.6549 1100 0.6632 1120 0.6669 1140 0.6719 1160 0.6689 1180 0.6601 1200 0.6365 1220 0.6171 1240 0.6765 1260 0.6934 1280 0.7018 1300 0.7086 1320 0.7141 1340 0.7195 1360 0.7239 1380 0.7124 1400 0.7019 1420 0.6927 1440 0.7034 1460 0.7208 1480 0.7362 1500 0.7446 1520 0.7498 1540 0.7471 1560 0.7591 1580 0.7651 1600 0.7684 1620 0.7710 1640 0.7720 1660 0.7717 1680 0.7588 1700 0.7328 1720 0.6035 1740 0.6319 1760 0.6363 1780 0.6921 1800 0.6904 1820 0.6923 1840 0.7082 1860 0.7279 1880 0.7418 1900 0.7449 1920 0.7433 1940 0.7503 1960 0.7503 1980 0.7557 2000 0.7485 2020 0.7550 2040 0.7553 2060 0.7603 2080 0.7775 2100 0.7859 2120 0.7867 2140 0.7897 2160 0.7928 2180 0.7868 2200 0.7716 2220 0.7602 2240 0.7382 2260 0.6907 2280 0.5714 2300 0.3504 2320 0.4424 2340 0.4320 2360 0.3938 2380 0.3078 2400 0.3284 2420 0.3304 2440 0.3403 2460 0.4542 2480 0.4867 2500 0.5986 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% TiO2 Average: 300-380 16% Average 420-700 49% Average 700-1000 59% Average 1500-1600 76% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 10% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 16%

FIG. 49: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 1.5% TiO2 FIG. 49 Transmittance for each wavelength wavelength Mono (nm) 1.5% TiO2 280 0.1476 300 0.1591 320 0.1540 340 0.1568 360 0.1551 380 0.1587 400 0.2297 420 0.3729 440 0.3838 460 0.3923 480 0.4004 500 0.4090 520 0.4170 540 0.4253 560 0.4330 580 0.4405 600 0.4487 620 0.4569 640 0.4644 660 0.4713 680 0.4785 700 0.4852 720 0.4921 740 0.5004 760 0.5054 780 0.5108 800 0.5168 820 0.5223 840 0.5276 860 0.5331 880 0.5390 900 0.5431 920 0.5458 940 0.5496 960 0.5597 980 0.5657 1000 0.5703 1020 0.5725 1040 0.5799 1060 0.5886 1080 0.5960 1100 0.6016 1120 0.6071 1140 0.6115 1160 0.6074 1180 0.5999 1200 0.5744 1220 0.5555 1240 0.6170 1260 0.6346 1280 0.6434 1300 0.6502 1320 0.6568 1340 0.6630 1360 0.6663 1380 0.6594 1400 0.6477 1420 0.6378 1440 0.6487 1460 0.6678 1480 0.6844 1500 0.6942 1520 0.6993 1540 0.6977 1560 0.7122 1580 0.7181 1600 0.7228 1620 0.7267 1640 0.7296 1660 0.7306 1680 0.7171 1700 0.6877 1720 0.5565 1740 0.5888 1760 0.5911 1780 0.6520 1800 0.6508 1820 0.6535 1840 0.6686 1860 0.6932 1880 0.7107 1900 0.7127 1920 0.7149 1940 0.7143 1960 0.7209 1980 0.7292 2000 0.7267 2020 0.7299 2040 0.7360 2060 0.7372 2080 0.7502 2100 0.7670 2120 0.7696 2140 0.7694 2160 0.7746 2180 0.7667 2200 0.7559 2220 0.7433 2240 0.7342 2260 0.6902 2280 0.5689 2300 0.3402 2320 0.4362 2340 0.4181 2360 0.3858 2380 0.2963 2400 0.3153 2420 0.3296 2440 0.3228 2460 0.4090 2480 0.4634 2500 0.5808 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1.5% TiO2 Average: 300-380 16% Average 420-700 43% Average 700-1000 53% Average 1500-1600 71% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 10% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 18%

FIG. 50: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 2% TiO2 FIG. 50 Transmittance for each wavelength wavelength Mono (nm) 2% TiO2 280 0.0173 300 0.0432 320 0.0577 340 0.0656 360 0.0718 380 0.0761 400 0.1281 420 0.2552 440 0.2662 460 0.2751 480 0.2833 500 0.2916 520 0.3001 540 0.3078 560 0.3167 580 0.3248 600 0.3330 620 0.3384 640 0.3492 660 0.3567 680 0.3643 700 0.3716 720 0.3790 740 0.3826 760 0.3978 780 0.4019 800 0.4080 820 0.4127 840 0.4178 860 0.4227 880 0.4281 900 0.4335 920 0.4366 940 0.4432 960 0.4523 980 0.4598 1000 0.4662 1020 0.4679 1040 0.4714 1060 0.4808 1080 0.4858 1100 0.4928 1120 0.4924 1140 0.5036 1160 0.4992 1180 0.4902 1200 0.4689 1220 0.4481 1240 0.5100 1260 0.5271 1280 0.5358 1300 0.5418 1320 0.5496 1340 0.5540 1360 0.5320 1380 0.6157 1400 0.5703 1420 0.5349 1440 0.5340 1460 0.5614 1480 0.5739 1500 0.5848 1520 0.5895 1540 0.5884 1560 0.6028 1580 0.6101 1600 0.6116 1620 0.6206 1640 0.6225 1660 0.6229 1680 0.6116 1700 0.5842 1720 0.4463 1740 0.4743 1760 0.4847 1780 0.5502 1800 0.5527 1820 0.5234 1840 0.4709 1860 0.6184 1880 0.6267 1900 0.6199 1920 0.6493 1940 0.6202 1960 0.6171 1980 0.6400 2000 0.6256 2020 0.6341 2040 0.6516 2060 0.6305 2080 0.6551 2100 0.6614 2120 0.6816 2140 0.6885 2160 0.6885 2180 0.6707 2200 0.6676 2220 0.6744 2240 0.6231 2260 0.6158 2280 0.4615 2300 0.2119 2320 0.3322 2340 0.2990 2360 0.2688 2380 0.2135 2400 0.2322 2420 0.2696 2440 0.2611 2460 0.3499 2480 0.3737 2500 0.6091 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% TiO2 Average: 300-380  6% Average 420-700 32% Average 700-1000 42% Average 1500-1600 60% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 10% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 18%

FIG. 51 FIG. 51: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 10% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 10% wavelength (nm) Microvoid pigment 280 0.1556 300 0.2535 320 0.2702 340 0.2852 360 0.2973 380 0.3160 400 0.3548 420 0.3717 440 0.3757 460 0.3811 480 0.3834 500 0.3878 520 0.3901 540 0.3948 560 0.3959 580 0.4018 600 0.4027 620 0.4052 640 0.4078 660 0.4085 680 0.4118 700 0.4127 720 0.4154 740 0.4186 760 0.4175 780 0.4199 800 0.4229 820 0.4236 840 0.4248 860 0.4274 880 0.4282 900 0.4300 920 0.4286 940 0.4306 960 0.4362 980 0.4393 1000 0.4403 1020 0.4412 1040 0.4420 1060 0.4440 1080 0.4483 1100 0.4495 1120 0.4521 1140 0.4552 1160 0.4477 1180 0.4372 1200 0.4143 1220 0.3949 1240 0.4445 1260 0.4554 1280 0.4607 1300 0.4640 1320 0.4676 1340 0.4691 1360 0.4701 1380 0.4623 1400 0.4480 1420 0.4373 1440 0.4434 1460 0.4568 1480 0.4686 1500 0.4733 1520 0.4768 1540 0.4717 1560 0.4821 1580 0.4836 1600 0.4869 1620 0.4868 1640 0.4883 1660 0.4853 1680 0.4708 1700 0.4440 1720 0.3328 1740 0.3549 1760 0.3538 1780 0.4020 1800 0.4025 1820 0.3996 1840 0.4127 1860 0.4311 1880 0.4434 1900 0.4430 1920 0.4442 1940 0.4398 1960 0.4452 1980 0.4455 2000 0.4472 2020 0.4500 2040 0.4496 2060 0.4567 2080 0.4645 2100 0.4806 2120 0.4851 2140 0.4862 2160 0.4833 2180 0.4860 2200 0.4632 2220 0.4652 2240 0.4591 2260 0.4148 2280 0.3248 2300 0.2379 2320 0.2608 2340 0.2491 2360 0.2519 2380 0.2145 2400 0.2262 2420 0.2347 2440 0.2201 2460 0.2942 2480 0.2873 2500 0.3387 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 10% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 28% Average 420-700 40% Average 700-1000 43% Average 1500-1600 48% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 3% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

FIG. 52 FIG. 52: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 14.0% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 14.0% wavelength (nm) Microvoid pigment 280 0.1618 300 0.1842 320 0.1895 340 0.1975 360 0.2145 380 0.2375 400 0.2721 420 0.2800 440 0.2868 460 0.2889 480 0.2950 500 0.2950 520 0.3002 540 0.3010 560 0.3024 580 0.3089 600 0.3088 620 0.3128 640 0.3133 660 0.3187 680 0.3190 700 0.3241 720 0.3217 740 0.3213 760 0.3263 780 0.3260 800 0.3304 820 0.3292 840 0.3330 860 0.3334 880 0.3351 900 0.3340 920 0.3350 940 0.3342 960 0.3425 980 0.3422 1000 0.3426 1020 0.3442 1040 0.3449 1060 0.3480 1080 0.3512 1100 0.3524 1120 0.3554 1140 0.3550 1160 0.3502 1180 0.3409 1200 0.3180 1220 0.3020 1240 0.3455 1260 0.3574 1280 0.3614 1300 0.3648 1320 0.3672 1340 0.3696 1360 0.3700 1380 0.3576 1400 0.3472 1420 0.3396 1440 0.3447 1460 0.3553 1480 0.3675 1500 0.3724 1520 0.3766 1540 0.3703 1560 0.3815 1580 0.3832 1600 0.3867 1620 0.3854 1640 0.3876 1660 0.3836 1680 0.3719 1700 0.3447 1720 0.2383 1740 0.2597 1760 0.2603 1780 0.3052 1800 0.3031 1820 0.3037 1840 0.3164 1860 0.3328 1880 0.3412 1900 0.3458 1920 0.3411 1940 0.3459 1960 0.3495 1980 0.3525 2000 0.3481 2020 0.3502 2040 0.3572 2060 0.3584 2080 0.3668 2100 0.3819 2120 0.3902 2140 0.3911 2160 0.3832 2180 0.3842 2200 0.3790 2220 0.3529 2240 0.3321 2260 0.3012 2280 0.2210 2300 0.1494 2320 0.1769 2340 0.1651 2360 0.1440 2380 0.1416 2400 0.1494 2420 0.1537 2440 0.1399 2460 0.1724 2480 0.1507 2500 0.2265 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 14.0% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 20% Average 420-700 30% Average 700-1000 33% Average 1500-1600 38% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 3% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

FIG. 53 FIG. 53: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm for monofilament, 2% TiO2, 2.5% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 2% TiO2, wavelength (nm) 2.5% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1643 300 0.1456 320 0.1498 340 0.1535 360 0.1531 380 0.1563 400 0.2006 420 0.3242 440 0.3335 460 0.3419 480 0.3483 500 0.3559 520 0.3625 540 0.3697 560 0.3761 580 0.3831 600 0.3885 620 0.3950 640 0.4015 660 0.4080 680 0.4131 700 0.4194 720 0.4241 740 0.4291 760 0.4357 780 0.4407 800 0.4455 820 0.4499 840 0.4549 860 0.4594 880 0.4636 900 0.4671 920 0.4687 940 0.4719 960 0.4813 980 0.4861 1000 0.4901 1020 0.4932 1040 0.4978 1060 0.5058 1080 0.5108 1100 0.5141 1120 0.5198 1140 0.5216 1160 0.5179 1180 0.5077 1200 0.4823 1220 0.4620 1240 0.5220 1260 0.5367 1280 0.5424 1300 0.5493 1320 0.5564 1340 0.5589 1360 0.5598 1380 0.5470 1400 0.5354 1420 0.5288 1440 0.5346 1460 0.5537 1480 0.5648 1500 0.5755 1520 0.5785 1540 0.5719 1560 0.5833 1580 0.5866 1600 0.5914 1620 0.5910 1640 0.5951 1660 0.5906 1680 0.5745 1700 0.5453 1720 0.4154 1740 0.4398 1760 0.4486 1780 0.5026 1800 0.4989 1820 0.5031 1840 0.5169 1860 0.5404 1880 0.5534 1900 0.5553 1920 0.5562 1940 0.5619 1960 0.5606 1980 0.5701 2000 0.5643 2020 0.5689 2040 0.5731 2060 0.5704 2080 0.5891 2100 0.6037 2120 0.6094 2140 0.6080 2160 0.6155 2180 0.6013 2200 0.5939 2220 0.5724 2240 0.5509 2260 0.5086 2280 0.4060 2300 0.2595 2320 0.3152 2340 0.3053 2360 0.2840 2380 0.2463 2400 0.2285 2420 0.2363 2440 0.2322 2460 0.2797 2480 0.3172 2500 0.4017 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% TiO2, 2.5% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 15% Average 420-700 37% Average 700-1000 46% Average 1500-1600 58% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 8% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 13% 

FIG. 54 FIG. 54: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2.0% carbon Black Transmittance for each wavelength wavelength (nm) Mono 2% carbon Black 280 0.1184 300 0.1076 320 0.1115 340 0.1116 360 0.1116 380 0.1116 400 0.1106 420 0.1113 440 0.1097 460 0.1103 480 0.1116 500 0.1108 520 0.1088 540 0.1092 560 0.1109 580 0.1087 600 0.1095 620 0.1072 640 0.1094 660 0.1080 680 0.1088 700 0.1096 720 0.1091 740 0.1085 760 0.1088 780 0.1100 800 0.1093 820 0.1099 840 0.1092 860 0.1097 880 0.1087 900 0.1094 920 0.1086 940 0.1090 960 0.1100 980 0.1082 1000 0.1096 1020 0.1130 1040 0.1086 1060 0.1101 1080 0.1081 1100 0.1094 1120 0.1068 1140 0.1082 1160 0.1071 1180 0.1074 1200 0.1072 1220 0.1067 1240 0.1080 1260 0.1062 1280 0.1075 1300 0.1064 1320 0.1065 1340 0.1057 1360 0.1050 1380 0.1009 1400 0.1045 1420 0.1058 1440 0.1061 1460 0.1066 1480 0.1065 1500 0.1062 1520 0.1070 1540 0.1066 1560 0.1048 1580 0.1063 1600 0.1061 1620 0.1070 1640 0.1045 1660 0.1065 1680 0.1035 1700 0.1072 1720 0.1046 1740 0.1047 1760 0.1041 1780 0.1057 1800 0.1041 1820 0.1067 1840 0.1049 1860 0.1056 1880 0.1039 1900 0.1017 1920 0.1007 1940 0.1004 1960 0.1053 1980 0.1011 2000 0.1001 2020 0.0990 2040 0.0950 2060 0.0993 2080 0.0976 2100 0.0898 2120 0.1002 2140 0.0984 2160 0.0834 2180 0.0953 2200 0.0735 2220 0.0733 2240 0.0855 2260 0.0895 2280 0.0852 2300 0.0873 2320 0.0888 2340 0.0888 2360 0.0885 2380 0.0812 2400 0.0722 2420 0.0665 2440 0.0749 2460 0.0615 2480 0.0616 2500 0.0406 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% carbon Black Average: 300-380 11% Average 420-700 11% Average 700-1000 11% Average 1500-1600 11% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 0% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 0%

FIG. 55 FIG. 55: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 0.4% Aluminium Transmittance for each wavelength wavelength (nm) Mono 0.4% Aluminium 280 0.0916 300 0.1347 320 0.1403 340 0.1429 360 0.1486 380 0.1532 400 0.1578 420 0.1573 440 0.1562 460 0.1553 480 0.1540 500 0.1528 520 0.1521 540 0.1503 560 0.1496 580 0.1488 600 0.1480 620 0.1455 640 0.1451 660 0.1444 680 0.1431 700 0.1419 720 0.1407 740 0.1373 760 0.1392 780 0.1357 800 0.1340 820 0.1323 840 0.1320 860 0.1321 880 0.1334 900 0.1353 920 0.1373 940 0.1399 960 0.1408 980 0.1436 1000 0.1452 1020 0.1530 1040 0.1477 1060 0.1564 1080 0.1541 1100 0.1563 1120 0.1491 1140 0.1718 1160 0.1523 1180 0.1543 1200 0.1450 1220 0.1525 1240 0.1530 1260 0.1675 1280 0.1496 1300 0.1658 1320 0.1527 1340 0.1564 1360 0.1998 1380 0.1960 1400 0.1648 1420 0.1599 1440 0.1569 1460 0.1698 1480 0.1589 1500 0.1659 1520 0.1560 1540 0.1647 1560 0.1717 1580 0.1652 1600 0.1664 1620 0.1584 1640 0.1703 1660 0.1667 1680 0.1722 1700 0.1759 1720 0.1520 1740 0.1532 1760 0.1531 1780 0.1673 1800 0.1481 1820 0.0960 1840 0.1772 1860 0.1004 1880 0.1681 1900 0.1149 1920 0.0903 1940 0.1898 1960 0.1556 1980 0.1617 2000 0.1671 2020 0.1589 2040 0.1861 2060 0.1640 2080 0.1591 2100 0.1954 2120 0.1814 2140 0.1449 2160 0.1804 2180 0.1908 2200 0.1905 2220 0.1630 2240 0.2434 2260 0.1377 2280 0.0906 2300 0.1675 2320 0.1532 2340 0.0821 2360 0.1023 2380 0.1330 2400 0.1885 2420 0.0795 2440 0.1093 2460 0.0127 2480 0.2727 2500 0.1630 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 0.4% Aluminium Average: 300-380 14% Average 420-700 15% Average 700-1000 14% Average 1500-1600 16% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) −1% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000)  3%

Netting Material of the Invention

FIG. 56 FIG. 56: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris Transmittance for each wavelength wavelength (nm) Mono 2% Altiris 280 0.2714 300 0.2684 320 0.2696 340 0.2747 360 0.2734 380 0.2866 400 0.3752 420 0.5433 440 0.5550 460 0.5558 480 0.5616 500 0.5607 520 0.5651 540 0.5647 560 0.5691 580 0.5697 600 0.5674 620 0.5709 640 0.5699 660 0.5738 680 0.5716 700 0.5748 720 0.5711 740 0.5738 760 0.5735 780 0.5771 800 0.5747 820 0.5776 840 0.5756 860 0.5735 880 0.5746 900 0.5714 920 0.5722 940 0.5689 960 0.5717 980 0.5763 1000 0.5737 1020 0.5755 1040 0.5754 1060 0.5793 1080 0.5798 1100 0.5838 1120 0.5831 1140 0.5811 1160 0.5758 1180 0.5625 1200 0.5375 1220 0.5130 1240 0.5683 1260 0.5780 1280 0.5854 1300 0.5852 1320 0.5903 1340 0.5903 1360 0.5922 1380 0.5738 1400 0.5655 1420 0.5524 1440 0.5582 1460 0.5751 1480 0.5865 1500 0.5893 1520 0.5927 1540 0.5871 1560 0.5982 1580 0.5998 1600 0.6031 1620 0.6028 1640 0.6033 1660 0.5978 1680 0.5872 1700 0.5556 1720 0.4279 1740 0.4514 1760 0.4577 1780 0.5095 1800 0.5031 1820 0.5060 1840 0.5214 1860 0.5399 1880 0.5526 1900 0.5573 1920 0.5508 1940 0.5521 1960 0.5575 1980 0.5604 2000 0.5603 2020 0.5573 2040 0.5688 2060 0.5624 2080 0.5865 2100 0.5897 2120 0.6018 2140 0.6027 2160 0.5979 2180 0.5988 2200 0.5671 2220 0.5807 2240 0.5308 2260 0.5015 2280 0.3938 2300 0.2940 2320 0.3309 2340 0.3246 2360 0.3204 2380 0.2705 2400 0.2733 2420 0.2938 2440 0.2766 2460 0.3660 2480 0.3511 2500 0.4295 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% Altiris Average: 300-380 27% Average 420-700 56% Average 700-1000 57% Average 1500-1600 60% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 1% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 2%

FIG. 57 FIG. 57: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 3% Altiris Transmittance for each wavelength wavelength (nm) Mono 3% Altiris 280 0.1226 300 0.1617 320 0.1552 340 0.1578 360 0.1598 380 0.1619 400 0.2113 420 0.4140 440 0.4238 460 0.4282 480 0.4299 500 0.4330 520 0.4341 540 0.4353 560 0.4376 580 0.4389 600 0.4409 620 0.4411 640 0.4432 660 0.4431 680 0.4451 700 0.4447 720 0.4458 740 0.4454 760 0.4448 780 0.4468 800 0.4463 820 0.4479 840 0.4475 860 0.4495 880 0.4487 900 0.4496 920 0.4466 940 0.4475 960 0.4522 980 0.4531 1000 0.4544 1020 0.4534 1040 0.4514 1060 0.4549 1080 0.4564 1100 0.4587 1120 0.4602 1140 0.4600 1160 0.4527 1180 0.4417 1200 0.4150 1220 0.3954 1240 0.4452 1260 0.4591 1280 0.4634 1300 0.4649 1320 0.4684 1340 0.4694 1360 0.4717 1380 0.4581 1400 0.4472 1420 0.4347 1440 0.4437 1460 0.4563 1480 0.4703 1500 0.4747 1520 0.4748 1540 0.4742 1560 0.4810 1580 0.4861 1600 0.4860 1620 0.4886 1640 0.4859 1660 0.4862 1680 0.4717 1700 0.4444 1720 0.3203 1740 0.3401 1760 0.3479 1780 0.3954 1800 0.3961 1820 0.3924 1840 0.4139 1860 0.4296 1880 0.4410 1900 0.4433 1920 0.4412 1940 0.4453 1960 0.4458 1980 0.4544 2000 0.4509 2020 0.4568 2040 0.4529 2060 0.4687 2080 0.4747 2100 0.4840 2120 0.4966 2140 0.4859 2160 0.4994 2180 0.4992 2200 0.4923 2220 0.4747 2240 0.4585 2260 0.4168 2280 0.3203 2300 0.2216 2320 0.2516 2340 0.2399 2360 0.2343 2380 0.2088 2400 0.2116 2420 0.2108 2440 0.1999 2460 0.2529 2480 0.2760 2500 0.3430 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 3% Altiris Average: 300-380 16% Average 420-700 44% Average 700-1000 45% Average 1500-1600 48% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 1% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 3%

FIG. 58 FIG. 58: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 4% Altiris Transmittance for each wavelength wavelength (nm) Mono 4% Altiris 280 −0.0076 300 0.0530 320 0.0530 340 0.0499 360 0.0577 380 0.0586 400 0.0879 420 0.2453 440 0.2561 460 0.2603 480 0.2629 500 0.2653 520 0.2675 540 0.2691 560 0.2708 580 0.2721 600 0.2734 620 0.2737 640 0.2752 660 0.2762 680 0.2769 700 0.2777 720 0.2786 740 0.2781 760 0.2821 780 0.2803 800 0.2806 820 0.2808 840 0.2811 860 0.2817 880 0.2825 900 0.2826 920 0.2812 940 0.2818 960 0.2854 980 0.2880 1000 0.2889 1020 0.2859 1040 0.2852 1060 0.2790 1080 0.2899 1100 0.2948 1120 0.2814 1140 0.2931 1160 0.2822 1180 0.2770 1200 0.2521 1220 0.2307 1240 0.2766 1260 0.2869 1280 0.2906 1300 0.3033 1320 0.2976 1340 0.2996 1360 0.3334 1380 0.3569 1400 0.2944 1420 0.2692 1440 0.2738 1460 0.2889 1480 0.2956 1500 0.3071 1520 0.3026 1540 0.2983 1560 0.3146 1580 0.3101 1600 0.3183 1620 0.3136 1640 0.3197 1660 0.3190 1680 0.3006 1700 0.2818 1720 0.1769 1740 0.1932 1760 0.1998 1780 0.2527 1800 0.2452 1820 0.1522 1840 0.2243 1860 0.2263 1880 0.2842 1900 0.2391 1920 0.2194 1940 0.3028 1960 0.2798 1980 0.3143 2000 0.3095 2020 0.3020 2040 0.3010 2060 0.3014 2080 0.3150 2100 0.3405 2120 0.3423 2140 0.3395 2160 0.2978 2180 0.3384 2200 0.3146 2220 0.3560 2240 0.3216 2260 0.2896 2280 0.1966 2300 0.1150 2320 0.1247 2340 0.0981 2360 0.1146 2380 0.0177 2400 0.0589 2420 0.0829 2440 0.0199 2460 0.1100 2480 0.1713 2500 0.0560 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 4% Altiris Average: 300-380  5% Average 420-700 27% Average 700-1000 28% Average 1500-1600 31% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 1% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 3%

FIG. 59 FIG. 59: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% Altiris, 2.5% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 1% Altiris, wavelength (nm) 2.5% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1258 300 0.1696 320 0.1518 340 0.1504 360 0.1532 380 0.1631 400 0.2736 420 0.4392 440 0.4471 460 0.4505 480 0.4537 500 0.4569 520 0.4581 540 0.4614 560 0.4620 580 0.4632 600 0.4638 620 0.4660 640 0.4670 660 0.4681 680 0.4687 700 0.4697 720 0.4718 740 0.4720 760 0.4739 780 0.4737 800 0.4754 820 0.4751 840 0.4765 860 0.4792 880 0.4796 900 0.4816 920 0.4775 940 0.4794 960 0.4835 980 0.4868 1000 0.4858 1020 0.4873 1040 0.4872 1060 0.4900 1080 0.4940 1100 0.4946 1120 0.4970 1140 0.4966 1160 0.4895 1180 0.4770 1200 0.4478 1220 0.4259 1240 0.4825 1260 0.4979 1280 0.5020 1300 0.5056 1320 0.5084 1340 0.5103 1360 0.5104 1380 0.4953 1400 0.4828 1420 0.4708 1440 0.4791 1460 0.4950 1480 0.5079 1500 0.5158 1520 0.5184 1540 0.5123 1560 0.5242 1580 0.5272 1600 0.5296 1620 0.5297 1640 0.5303 1660 0.5265 1680 0.5129 1700 0.4774 1720 0.3396 1740 0.3647 1760 0.3707 1780 0.4293 1800 0.4240 1820 0.4266 1840 0.4400 1860 0.4650 1880 0.4769 1900 0.4810 1920 0.4766 1940 0.4779 1960 0.4828 1980 0.4903 2000 0.4836 2020 0.4895 2040 0.4894 2060 0.4940 2080 0.5087 2100 0.5200 2120 0.5339 2140 0.5308 2160 0.5305 2180 0.5162 2200 0.5059 2220 0.4848 2240 0.4706 2260 0.4139 2280 0.2981 2300 0.1859 2320 0.2269 2340 0.2143 2360 0.1911 2380 0.1677 2400 0.1613 2420 0.1793 2440 0.1609 2460 0.2592 2480 0.2390 2500 0.2890 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% Altiris, 2.5% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 16% Average 420-700 46% Average 700-1000 48% Average 1500-1600 52% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 2% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 4%

FIG. 60 FIG. 60: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% Altiris, 10% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 1% Altiris, wavelength (nm) 10% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1599 300 0.1747 320 0.1637 340 0.1700 360 0.1651 380 0.1721 400 0.2150 420 0.3299 440 0.3319 460 0.3406 480 0.3402 500 0.3473 520 0.3447 540 0.3505 560 0.3566 580 0.3509 600 0.3575 620 0.3564 640 0.3595 660 0.3565 680 0.3627 700 0.3584 720 0.3662 740 0.3722 760 0.3699 780 0.3747 800 0.3715 820 0.3765 840 0.3738 860 0.3789 880 0.3785 900 0.3833 920 0.3794 940 0.3844 960 0.3849 980 0.3893 1000 0.3967 1020 0.3904 1040 0.3928 1060 0.3930 1080 0.3983 1100 0.4039 1120 0.4011 1140 0.4052 1160 0.3944 1180 0.3866 1200 0.3569 1220 0.3401 1240 0.3881 1260 0.4032 1280 0.4111 1300 0.4106 1320 0.4168 1340 0.4162 1360 0.4178 1380 0.4008 1400 0.3907 1420 0.3787 1440 0.3871 1460 0.4019 1480 0.4137 1500 0.4234 1520 0.4265 1540 0.4223 1560 0.4319 1580 0.4375 1600 0.4379 1620 0.4394 1640 0.4396 1660 0.4364 1680 0.4221 1700 0.3903 1720 0.2720 1740 0.2938 1760 0.2982 1780 0.3469 1800 0.3429 1820 0.3456 1840 0.3578 1860 0.3801 1880 0.3888 1900 0.3918 1920 0.3894 1940 0.3902 1960 0.3942 1980 0.3971 2000 0.3947 2020 0.3960 2040 0.4049 2060 0.4004 2080 0.4153 2100 0.4286 2120 0.4404 2140 0.4297 2160 0.4403 2180 0.4288 2200 0.4050 2220 0.3841 2240 0.3493 2260 0.3223 2280 0.2324 2300 0.1618 2320 0.1806 2340 0.1767 2360 0.1678 2380 0.1511 2400 0.1303 2420 0.1395 2440 0.1366 2460 0.1843 2480 0.1661 2500 0.2038 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% Altiris, 10% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 17% Average 420-700 35% Average 700-1000 38% Average 1500-1600 43% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 3% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

FIG. 61 FIG. 61: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 1% Altiris, wavelength (nm) 14% Microvoid pigment 280 0.0574 300 0.0376 320 0.0466 340 0.0471 360 0.0484 380 0.0572 400 0.1003 420 0.1837 440 0.1902 460 0.1940 480 0.1969 500 0.1999 520 0.2026 540 0.2049 560 0.2073 580 0.2096 600 0.2113 620 0.2136 640 0.2152 660 0.2172 680 0.2193 700 0.2213 720 0.2232 740 0.2254 760 0.2267 780 0.2274 800 0.2291 820 0.2311 840 0.2329 860 0.2352 880 0.2368 900 0.2378 920 0.2364 940 0.2372 960 0.2420 980 0.2445 1000 0.2448 1020 0.2399 1040 0.2324 1060 0.2412 1080 0.2595 1100 0.2428 1120 0.2569 1140 0.2462 1160 0.2515 1180 0.2264 1200 0.2202 1220 0.2282 1240 0.2410 1260 0.2752 1280 0.2568 1300 0.2719 1320 0.2568 1340 0.2747 1360 0.2000 1380 0.4113 1400 0.3465 1420 0.2459 1440 0.2443 1460 0.2612 1480 0.2532 1500 0.2662 1520 0.2845 1540 0.2618 1560 0.2903 1580 0.2763 1600 0.2926 1620 0.2759 1640 0.2856 1660 0.3079 1680 0.2679 1700 0.2623 1720 0.1421 1740 0.1724 1760 0.1609 1780 0.2174 1800 0.2228 1820 0.2224 1840 −0.0007 1860 0.3368 1880 0.2810 1900 0.2830 1920 0.4342 1940 0.2613 1960 0.2552 1980 0.2445 2000 0.2577 2020 0.2468 2040 0.2632 2060 0.2478 2080 0.2727 2100 0.2687 2120 0.2889 2140 0.2680 2160 0.2855 2180 0.2955 2200 0.2420 2220 0.2792 2240 0.2221 2260 0.2106 2280 0.1754 2300 0.0589 2320 0.1118 2340 0.0707 2360 0.0892 2380 0.0546 2400 0.0808 2420 0.0413 2440 0.0889 2460 0.0707 2480 0.0572 2500 0.2232 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380  5% Average 420-700 21% Average 700-1000 23% Average 1500-1600 28% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 3% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

FIG. 62 FIG. 62: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris, 2.5% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 2% Altiris, wavelength (nm) 2.5% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1377 300 0.1386 320 0.1448 340 0.1402 360 0.1425 380 0.1463 400 0.2157 420 0.3849 440 0.3944 460 0.4004 480 0.4039 500 0.4093 520 0.4131 540 0.4174 560 0.4201 580 0.4235 600 0.4245 620 0.4293 640 0.4300 660 0.4333 680 0.4336 700 0.4379 720 0.4424 740 0.4445 760 0.4456 780 0.4474 800 0.4501 820 0.4512 840 0.4523 860 0.4512 880 0.4554 900 0.4575 920 0.4549 940 0.4569 960 0.4616 980 0.4648 1000 0.4645 1020 0.4658 1040 0.4647 1060 0.4709 1080 0.4758 1100 0.4753 1120 0.4796 1140 0.4774 1160 0.4722 1180 0.4587 1200 0.4315 1220 0.4073 1240 0.4657 1260 0.4775 1280 0.4848 1300 0.4863 1320 0.4914 1340 0.4940 1360 0.4923 1380 0.4805 1400 0.4655 1420 0.4540 1440 0.4604 1460 0.4763 1480 0.4879 1500 0.4957 1520 0.4985 1540 0.4922 1560 0.5039 1580 0.5070 1600 0.5083 1620 0.5088 1640 0.5092 1660 0.5043 1680 0.4899 1700 0.4558 1720 0.3211 1740 0.3466 1760 0.3517 1780 0.4080 1800 0.4024 1820 0.4030 1840 0.4151 1860 0.4409 1880 0.4504 1900 0.4537 1920 0.4561 1940 0.4554 1960 0.4583 1980 0.4635 2000 0.4570 2020 0.4587 2040 0.4657 2060 0.4628 2080 0.4775 2100 0.4951 2120 0.5070 2140 0.5056 2160 0.4947 2180 0.4933 2200 0.4646 2220 0.4502 2240 0.4236 2260 0.3793 2280 0.2779 2300 0.1621 2320 0.1994 2340 0.1981 2360 0.1819 2380 0.1426 2400 0.1221 2420 0.1537 2440 0.1387 2460 0.1703 2480 0.1776 2500 0.3100 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% Altiris, 2.5% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 14% Average 420-700 42% Average 700-1000 45% Average 1500-1600 50% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 4% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

FIG. 63 FIG. 63: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris, 5% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 2% Altiris, wavelength (nm) 5% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1689 300 0.1744 320 0.1767 340 0.1750 360 0.1769 380 0.1799 400 0.2281 420 0.3232 440 0.3304 460 0.3353 480 0.3386 500 0.3443 520 0.3463 540 0.3490 560 0.3496 580 0.3516 600 0.3550 620 0.3558 640 0.3591 660 0.3606 680 0.3618 700 0.3637 720 0.3655 740 0.3675 760 0.3699 780 0.3715 800 0.3726 820 0.3744 840 0.3754 860 0.3775 880 0.3777 900 0.3793 920 0.3770 940 0.3787 960 0.3833 980 0.3856 1000 0.3861 1020 0.3863 1040 0.3869 1060 0.3915 1080 0.3932 1100 0.3948 1120 0.3967 1140 0.3973 1160 0.3931 1180 0.3826 1200 0.3607 1220 0.3427 1240 0.3888 1260 0.3996 1280 0.4043 1300 0.4063 1320 0.4098 1340 0.4110 1360 0.4111 1380 0.3992 1400 0.3916 1420 0.3817 1440 0.3868 1460 0.4014 1480 0.4119 1500 0.4186 1520 0.4190 1540 0.4173 1560 0.4248 1580 0.4264 1600 0.4291 1620 0.4310 1640 0.4302 1660 0.4266 1680 0.4162 1700 0.3884 1720 0.2812 1740 0.3002 1760 0.3055 1780 0.3490 1800 0.3489 1820 0.3457 1840 0.3602 1860 0.3780 1880 0.3878 1900 0.3888 1920 0.3888 1940 0.3891 1960 0.3933 1980 0.3990 2000 0.3913 2020 0.3959 2040 0.3991 2060 0.4031 2080 0.4123 2100 0.4263 2120 0.4324 2140 0.4281 2160 0.4365 2180 0.4281 2200 0.4090 2220 0.3941 2240 0.3659 2260 0.3443 2280 0.2527 2300 0.1783 2320 0.2065 2340 0.1970 2360 0.1850 2380 0.1770 2400 0.1628 2420 0.1726 2440 0.1726 2460 0.2093 2480 0.2297 2500 0.2018 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% Altiris, 5% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 18% Average 420-700 35% Average 700-1000 38% Average 1500-1600 42% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 3% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

FIG. 64 FIG. 64: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 2% Altiris, wavelength (nm) 14% Microvoid pigment 280 0.0127 300 0.0081 320 0.0009 340 0.0037 360 0.0053 380 0.0085 400 0.0320 420 0.1225 440 0.1308 460 0.1347 480 0.1375 500 0.1404 520 0.1429 540 0.1450 560 0.1472 580 0.1492 600 0.1508 620 0.1521 640 0.1540 660 0.1560 680 0.1579 700 0.1598 720 0.1616 740 0.1624 760 0.1662 780 0.1655 800 0.1669 820 0.1682 840 0.1695 860 0.1710 880 0.1722 900 0.1728 920 0.1716 940 0.1721 960 0.1761 980 0.1790 1000 0.1795 1020 0.1868 1040 0.1853 1060 0.1902 1080 0.1897 1100 0.1913 1120 0.1843 1140 0.2074 1160 0.1873 1180 0.1941 1200 0.1724 1220 0.1433 1240 0.1853 1260 0.2062 1280 0.1979 1300 0.2200 1320 0.2115 1340 0.2109 1360 0.2391 1380 0.2527 1400 0.2066 1420 0.1779 1440 0.1920 1460 0.2033 1480 0.1988 1500 0.2109 1520 0.2252 1540 0.2130 1560 0.2180 1580 0.2206 1600 0.2312 1620 0.2233 1640 0.2178 1660 0.2293 1680 0.2097 1700 0.1792 1720 0.0887 1740 0.1091 1760 0.1164 1780 0.1612 1800 0.1555 1820 0.0587 1840 0.1516 1860 0.1183 1880 0.1865 1900 0.1415 1920 0.1225 1940 0.2151 1960 0.1865 1980 0.1988 2000 0.2026 2020 0.1843 2040 0.2164 2060 0.2087 2080 0.2360 2100 0.2311 2120 0.2452 2140 0.2312 2160 0.2432 2180 0.2290 2200 0.2052 2220 0.2372 2240 0.1495 2260 0.1791 2280 0.1171 2300 0.0379 2320 −0.0083 2340 0.0317 2360 0.0249 2380 −0.0277 2400 0.0280 2420 −0.0482 2440 0.0478 2460 0.0161 2480 0.0405 2500 0.0214 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380  1% Average 420-700 15% Average 700-1000 17% Average 1500-1600 22% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 2% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

FIG. 65 FIG. 65: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2, 5% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 1% TiO2, wavelength (nm) 5% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1295 300 0.1514 320 0.1334 340 0.1351 360 0.1342 380 0.1934 400 0.3964 420 0.4087 440 0.4151 460 0.4206 480 0.4253 500 0.4292 520 0.4333 540 0.4373 560 0.4404 580 0.4436 600 0.4464 620 0.4499 640 0.4530 660 0.4554 680 0.4578 700 0.4602 720 0.4623 740 0.4653 760 0.4678 780 0.4701 800 0.4717 820 0.4739 840 0.4755 860 0.4782 880 0.4795 900 0.4808 920 0.4797 940 0.4809 960 0.4877 980 0.4902 1000 0.4918 1020 0.4905 1040 0.4945 1060 0.4991 1080 0.5015 1100 0.5059 1120 0.5078 1140 0.5084 1160 0.5025 1180 0.4911 1200 0.4654 1220 0.4443 1240 0.4987 1260 0.5128 1280 0.5185 1300 0.5212 1320 0.5251 1340 0.5271 1360 0.5274 1380 0.5142 1400 0.5015 1420 0.4922 1440 0.4998 1460 0.5150 1480 0.5285 1500 0.5352 1520 0.5377 1540 0.5328 1560 0.5439 1580 0.5466 1600 0.5502 1620 0.5494 1640 0.5510 1660 0.5468 1680 0.5342 1700 0.5038 1720 0.3778 1740 0.4028 1760 0.4050 1780 0.4586 1800 0.4555 1820 0.4567 1840 0.4708 1860 0.4937 1880 0.5035 1900 0.5042 1920 0.5075 1940 0.5087 1960 0.5100 1980 0.5149 2000 0.5136 2020 0.5113 2040 0.5188 2060 0.5265 2080 0.5355 2100 0.5480 2120 0.5540 2140 0.5495 2160 0.5468 2180 0.5474 2200 0.5267 2220 0.5117 2240 0.4873 2260 0.4582 2280 0.3653 2300 0.2185 2320 0.2658 2340 0.2639 2360 0.2413 2380 0.2081 2400 0.2098 2420 0.1953 2440 0.1792 2460 0.2753 2480 0.2889 2500 0.2870 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% TiO2, 5% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 15% Average 420-700 44% Average 700-1000 48% Average 1500-1600 54% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 4% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 7%

FIG. 66 FIG. 66: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2, 10% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 1% TiO2, wavelength (nm) 10% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1019 300 0.1012 320 0.1071 340 0.1091 360 0.1070 380 0.1161 400 0.1992 420 0.3024 440 0.3109 460 0.3162 480 0.3210 500 0.3263 520 0.3305 540 0.3359 560 0.3396 580 0.3451 600 0.3487 620 0.3519 640 0.3562 660 0.3594 680 0.3631 700 0.3660 720 0.3693 740 0.3719 760 0.3750 780 0.3781 800 0.3816 820 0.3839 840 0.3870 860 0.3896 880 0.3912 900 0.3937 920 0.3928 940 0.3952 960 0.4023 980 0.4060 1000 0.4078 1020 0.4113 1040 0.4134 1060 0.4170 1080 0.4233 1100 0.4269 1120 0.4296 1140 0.4305 1160 0.4247 1180 0.4125 1200 0.3845 1220 0.3616 1240 0.4224 1260 0.4376 1280 0.4452 1300 0.4485 1320 0.4534 1340 0.4551 1360 0.4564 1380 0.4405 1400 0.4278 1420 0.4167 1440 0.4254 1460 0.4432 1480 0.4568 1500 0.4656 1520 0.4676 1540 0.4639 1560 0.4753 1580 0.4798 1600 0.4818 1620 0.4840 1640 0.4829 1660 0.4791 1680 0.4649 1700 0.4299 1720 0.2932 1740 0.3187 1760 0.3220 1780 0.3805 1800 0.3769 1820 0.3780 1840 0.3945 1860 0.4159 1880 0.4305 1900 0.4334 1920 0.4298 1940 0.4365 1960 0.4361 1980 0.4426 2000 0.4361 2020 0.4418 2040 0.4426 2060 0.4470 2080 0.4633 2100 0.4694 2120 0.4845 2140 0.4810 2160 0.4875 2180 0.4726 2200 0.4664 2220 0.4399 2240 0.3974 2260 0.3567 2280 0.2502 2300 0.1411 2320 0.1961 2340 0.1878 2360 0.1519 2380 0.1203 2400 0.1295 2420 0.1299 2440 0.1629 2460 0.1380 2480 0.1419 2500 0.2077 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% TiO2, 10% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 11% Average 420-700 34% Average 700-1000 39% Average 1500-1600 47% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 5% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 9%

FIG. 67 FIG. 67: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2, 14% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 1% TiO2, wavelength (nm) 14% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1586 300 0.0011 320 0.0558 340 0.0504 360 0.0565 380 0.0625 400 0.0983 420 0.1650 440 0.1700 460 0.1733 480 0.1759 500 0.1790 520 0.1811 540 0.1845 560 0.1871 580 0.1901 600 0.1919 620 0.1962 640 0.1968 660 0.1994 680 0.2016 700 0.2040 720 0.2061 740 0.2116 760 0.2070 780 0.2120 800 0.2147 820 0.2181 840 0.2222 860 0.2262 880 0.2289 900 0.2300 920 0.2295 940 0.2295 960 0.2357 980 0.2373 1000 0.2377 1020 0.2487 1040 0.2515 1060 0.2415 1080 0.2555 1100 0.2474 1120 0.2454 1140 0.2635 1160 0.2534 1180 0.2372 1200 0.2190 1220 0.2012 1240 0.2457 1260 0.2693 1280 0.2686 1300 0.2680 1320 0.2734 1340 0.2790 1360 0.2437 1380 0.4001 1400 0.3106 1420 0.2521 1440 0.2371 1460 0.2591 1480 0.2686 1500 0.2797 1520 0.2818 1540 0.2802 1560 0.2857 1580 0.2876 1600 0.2783 1620 0.2911 1640 0.2827 1660 0.2960 1680 0.2783 1700 0.2541 1720 0.1579 1740 0.1734 1760 0.1803 1780 0.2204 1800 0.2404 1820 0.1731 1840 0.0493 1860 0.2879 1880 0.2964 1900 0.2550 1920 0.3255 1940 0.2896 1960 0.2646 1980 0.2649 2000 0.2667 2020 0.2648 2040 0.2872 2060 0.2884 2080 0.3061 2100 0.3223 2120 0.3194 2140 0.3294 2160 0.3429 2180 0.3121 2200 0.2870 2220 0.3077 2240 0.2561 2260 0.2121 2280 0.1737 2300 0.0774 2320 0.0598 2340 0.1124 2360 0.0675 2380 0.0579 2400 0.0429 2420 0.0757 2440 0.0812 2460 0.1693 2480 0.0506 2500 0.1911 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% TiO2, 14% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380  5% Average 420-700 19% Average 700-1000 22% Average 1500-1600 28% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 4% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 6%

FIG. 68 FIG. 68: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% ZnO nano, 2.5% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 2% ZnO nano, wavelength (nm) 2.5% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1399 300 0.1434 320 0.1346 340 0.1385 360 0.1362 380 0.1652 400 0.3349 420 0.4034 440 0.4113 460 0.4171 480 0.4233 500 0.4271 520 0.4325 540 0.4367 560 0.4396 580 0.4429 600 0.4465 620 0.4475 640 0.4531 660 0.4540 680 0.4581 700 0.4582 720 0.4585 740 0.4632 760 0.4645 780 0.4676 800 0.4681 820 0.4697 840 0.4716 860 0.4732 880 0.4742 900 0.4773 920 0.4740 940 0.4743 960 0.4830 980 0.4835 1000 0.4862 1020 0.4861 1040 0.4870 1060 0.4938 1080 0.4956 1100 0.5009 1120 0.4998 1140 0.5042 1160 0.4961 1180 0.4834 1200 0.4575 1220 0.4337 1240 0.4910 1260 0.5032 1280 0.5109 1300 0.5121 1320 0.5178 1340 0.5164 1360 0.5201 1380 0.4988 1400 0.4934 1420 0.4812 1440 0.4910 1460 0.5047 1480 0.5146 1500 0.5253 1520 0.5244 1540 0.5225 1560 0.5315 1580 0.5387 1600 0.5365 1620 0.5354 1640 0.5396 1660 0.5333 1680 0.5207 1700 0.4865 1720 0.3589 1740 0.3818 1760 0.3877 1780 0.4401 1800 0.4402 1820 0.4389 1840 0.4566 1860 0.4746 1880 0.4861 1900 0.4925 1920 0.4870 1940 0.4922 1960 0.4925 1980 0.4995 2000 0.4945 2020 0.5033 2040 0.5024 2060 0.4992 2080 0.5218 2100 0.5240 2120 0.5366 2140 0.5317 2160 0.5369 2180 0.5286 2200 0.5179 2220 0.4766 2240 0.4706 2260 0.4181 2280 0.3297 2300 0.2068 2320 0.2625 2340 0.2548 2360 0.2281 2380 0.1889 2400 0.1881 2420 0.2114 2440 0.1850 2460 0.2678 2480 0.2620 2500 0.3022 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% ZnO nano, 2.5% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 14% Average 420-700 44% Average 700-1000 47% Average 1500-1600 53% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 3% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 6%

Prior Art Crop Cover Material

FIG. 69 FIG. 69: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm film extruded onto woven fabic, Polymer only Transmittance for each wavelength - crop cover Film extruded onto woven fabric wavelength (nm) Polymer only 280 0.5959 300 0.7082 320 0.7367 340 0.7502 360 0.7624 380 0.7712 400 0.7770 420 0.7812 440 0.7851 460 0.7883 480 0.7910 500 0.7929 520 0.7952 540 0.7969 560 0.7985 580 0.7996 600 0.8004 620 0.8017 640 0.8018 660 0.8021 680 0.8010 700 0.8063 720 0.8071 740 0.8082 760 0.8089 780 0.8099 800 0.8101 820 0.8102 840 0.8110 860 0.8114 880 0.8120 900 0.8119 920 0.8115 940 0.8113 960 0.8138 980 0.8141 1000 0.8147 1020 0.8146 1040 0.8153 1060 0.8154 1080 0.8168 1100 0.8167 1120 0.8172 1140 0.8178 1160 0.8144 1180 0.8096 1200 0.7980 1220 0.7892 1240 0.8109 1260 0.8156 1280 0.8169 1300 0.8183 1320 0.8187 1340 0.8183 1360 0.8177 1380 0.8114 1400 0.8068 1420 0.8014 1440 0.8033 1460 0.8098 1480 0.8140 1500 0.8167 1520 0.8166 1540 0.8149 1560 0.8175 1580 0.8180 1600 0.8195 1620 0.8180 1640 0.8179 1660 0.8171 1680 0.8104 1700 0.7931 1720 0.7127 1740 0.7360 1760 0.7324 1780 0.7687 1800 0.7661 1820 0.7659 1840 0.7727 1860 0.7827 1880 0.7859 1900 0.7848 1920 0.7841 1940 0.7891 1960 0.7853 1980 0.7893 2000 0.7854 2020 0.7842 2040 0.7905 2060 0.7900 2080 0.7931 2100 0.7999 2120 0.8020 2140 0.7982 2160 0.8054 2180 0.7956 2200 0.7916 2220 0.7914 2240 0.7633 2260 0.7478 2280 0.6630 2300 0.4002 2320 0.5265 2340 0.4911 2360 0.4559 2380 0.3721 2400 0.3656 2420 0.4014 2440 0.3965 2460 0.5188 2480 0.5480 2500 0.6022 Transmittance average for each wavelength range Polymer only Average: 300-380 75% Average 420-700 80% Average 700-1000 81% Average 1500-1600 82% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 1% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 1%

FIG. 70 FIG. 70: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2 Transmittance for each wavelength - crop cover wavelength (nm) Mono 1% TiO2 280 0.1403 300 0.1553 320 0.1540 340 0.1557 360 0.1554 380 0.1629 400 0.2955 420 0.4304 440 0.4419 460 0.4527 480 0.4616 500 0.4716 520 0.4803 540 0.4899 560 0.4975 580 0.5058 600 0.5126 620 0.5220 640 0.5281 660 0.5357 680 0.5412 700 0.5490 720 0.5557 740 0.5642 760 0.5681 780 0.5745 800 0.5786 820 0.5848 840 0.5910 860 0.5952 880 0.6020 900 0.6051 920 0.6078 940 0.6110 960 0.6220 980 0.6262 1000 0.6322 1020 0.6325 1040 0.6398 1060 0.6494 1080 0.6549 1100 0.6632 1120 0.6669 1140 0.6719 1160 0.6689 1180 0.6601 1200 0.6365 1220 0.6171 1240 0.6765 1260 0.6934 1280 0.7018 1300 0.7086 1320 0.7141 1340 0.7195 1360 0.7239 1380 0.7124 1400 0.7019 1420 0.6927 1440 0.7034 1460 0.7208 1480 0.7362 1500 0.7446 1520 0.7498 1540 0.7471 1560 0.7591 1580 0.7651 1600 0.7684 1620 0.7710 1640 0.7720 1660 0.7717 1680 0.7588 1700 0.7328 1720 0.6035 1740 0.6319 1760 0.6363 1780 0.6921 1800 0.6904 1820 0.6923 1840 0.7082 1860 0.7279 1880 0.7418 1900 0.7449 1920 0.7433 1940 0.7503 1960 0.7503 1980 0.7557 2000 0.7485 2020 0.7550 2040 0.7553 2060 0.7603 2080 0.7775 2100 0.7859 2120 0.7867 2140 0.7897 2160 0.7928 2180 0.7868 2200 0.7716 2220 0.7602 2240 0.7382 2260 0.6907 2280 0.5714 2300 0.3504 2320 0.4424 2340 0.4320 2360 0.3938 2380 0.3078 2400 0.3284 2420 0.3304 2440 0.3403 2460 0.4542 2480 0.4867 2500 0.5986 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% TiO2 Average: 300-380 16% Average 420-700 49% Average 700-1000 59% Average 1500-1600 76% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 10% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 16%

FIG. 71 FIG. 71: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm film, 2% TiO2 Transmittance for each wavelength - crop cover wavelength (nm) Film 2% TiO2 280 0.012 300 0.002 320 0.001 340 0.001 360 0.001 380 0.001 400 0.036 420 0.218 440 0.229 460 0.237 480 0.244 500 0.252 520 0.260 540 0.268 560 0.275 580 0.283 600 0.288 620 0.297 640 0.302 660 0.306 680 0.302 700 0.332 720 0.341 740 0.348 760 0.355 780 0.363 800 0.370 820 0.376 840 0.383 860 0.390 880 0.396 900 0.401 920 0.402 940 0.407 960 0.419 980 0.426 1000 0.431 1020 0.435 1040 0.438 1060 0.445 1080 0.451 1100 0.457 1120 0.462 1140 0.466 1160 0.457 1180 0.445 1200 0.407 1220 0.388 1240 0.464 1260 0.486 1280 0.497 1300 0.504 1320 0.512 1340 0.518 1360 0.521 1380 0.503 1400 0.492 1420 0.480 1440 0.495 1460 0.519 1480 0.539 1500 0.550 1520 0.557 1540 0.557 1560 0.573 1580 0.580 1600 0.585 1620 0.590 1640 0.593 1660 0.592 1680 0.577 1700 0.523 1720 0.374 1740 0.423 1760 0.420 1780 0.494 1800 0.497 1820 0.504 1840 0.526 1860 0.556 1880 0.573 1900 0.579 1920 0.582 1940 0.590 1960 0.595 1980 0.605 2000 0.602 2020 0.612 2040 0.619 2060 0.629 2080 0.645 2100 0.659 2120 0.670 2140 0.671 2160 0.672 2180 0.667 2200 0.655 2220 0.649 2240 0.621 2260 0.575 2280 0.444 2300 0.206 2320 0.329 2340 0.285 2360 0.288 2380 0.211 2400 0.205 2420 0.237 2440 0.244 2460 0.360 2480 0.392 2500 0.468 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% TiO2 Average: 300-380  0% Average 420-700 27% Average 700-1000 38% Average 1500-1600 57% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 11% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 18%

Crop Cover Material of the Invention

FIG. 72 FIG. 72: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm film extruded onto woven fabic, 3% Altiris Transmittance for each wavelength - crop cover Film extruded onto woven fabric wavelength (nm) 3% Altiris 280 0.1840 300 0.1255 320 0.1469 340 0.1261 360 0.1316 380 0.2565 400 0.4897 420 0.5861 440 0.6138 460 0.6274 480 0.6320 500 0.6345 520 0.6364 540 0.6377 560 0.6381 580 0.6386 600 0.6386 620 0.6384 640 0.6375 660 0.6370 680 0.6354 700 0.6373 720 0.6368 740 0.6368 760 0.6362 780 0.6365 800 0.6361 820 0.6362 840 0.6359 860 0.6362 880 0.6357 900 0.6351 920 0.6328 940 0.6322 960 0.6365 980 0.6370 1000 0.6372 1020 0.6355 1040 0.6358 1060 0.6374 1080 0.6393 1100 0.6404 1120 0.6411 1140 0.6414 1160 0.6345 1180 0.6249 1200 0.6011 1220 0.5846 1240 0.6284 1260 0.6387 1280 0.6427 1300 0.6442 1320 0.6468 1340 0.6481 1360 0.6484 1380 0.6362 1400 0.6261 1420 0.6171 1440 0.6227 1460 0.6356 1480 0.6440 1500 0.6487 1520 0.6505 1540 0.6479 1560 0.6558 1580 0.6586 1600 0.6590 1620 0.6601 1640 0.6591 1660 0.6567 1680 0.6466 1700 0.6191 1720 0.5123 1740 0.5395 1760 0.5375 1780 0.5856 1800 0.5838 1820 0.5840 1840 0.5976 1860 0.6139 1880 0.6221 1900 0.6247 1920 0.6218 1940 0.6272 1960 0.6288 1980 0.6315 2000 0.6332 2020 0.6326 2040 0.6355 2060 0.6421 2080 0.6581 2100 0.6625 2120 0.6704 2140 0.6621 2160 0.6659 2180 0.6663 2200 0.6596 2220 0.6396 2240 0.6328 2260 0.5764 2280 0.4972 2300 0.3007 2320 0.4061 2340 0.3796 2360 0.3476 2380 0.2940 2400 0.2961 2420 0.2843 2440 0.3099 2460 0.4070 2480 0.4102 2500 0.4401 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 3% Altiris Average: 300-380 16% Average 420-700 63% Average 700-1000 64% Average 1500-1600 65% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 0% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 2%

Prior Art Ground Cover Material

FIG. 73 FIG. 73: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, 2% TiO2 Transmittance for each wavelength - ground cover wavelength (nm) Tape 2% TiO2 280 0.012 300 0.002 320 0.001 340 0.001 360 0.001 380 0.001 400 0.036 420 0.218 440 0.229 460 0.237 480 0.244 500 0.252 520 0.260 540 0.268 560 0.279 580 0.283 600 0.288 620 0.297 640 0.302 660 0.306 680 0.302 700 0.332 720 0.341 740 0.348 760 0.355 780 0.363 800 0.370 820 0.376 840 0.383 860 0.390 880 0.386 900 0.401 920 0.402 940 0.407 960 0.419 980 0.426 1000 0.431 1020 0.435 1040 0.438 1060 0.445 1080 0.451 1100 0.457 1120 0.462 1140 0.466 1160 0.457 1180 0.445 1200 0.407 1220 0.388 1240 0.464 1260 0.486 1280 0.497 1300 0.504 1320 0.512 1340 0.518 1360 0.521 1380 0.503 1400 0.492 1420 0.480 1440 0.495 1460 0.519 1480 0.539 1500 0.550 1520 0.557 1540 0.557 1560 0.573 1580 0.580 1600 0.585 1620 0.590 1640 0.593 1660 0.592 1680 0.577 1700 0.523 1720 0.374 1740 0.423 1760 0.420 1780 0.494 1800 0.487 1820 0.504 1840 0.526 1860 0.556 1880 0.573 1900 0.579 1920 0.582 1940 0.580 1960 0.595 1980 0.605 2000 0.602 2020 0.612 2040 0.619 2060 0.629 2080 0.645 2100 0.659 2120 0.670 2140 0.671 2160 0.672 2180 0.667 2200 0.655 2220 0.649 2240 0.621 2260 0.575 2280 0.444 2300 0.206 2320 0.328 2340 0.285 2360 0.288 2380 0.211 2400 0.205 2420 0.237 2440 0.244 2460 0.360 2480 0.352 2500 0.468 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% TiO2 Average: 300-380  0% Average 420-700 27% Average 700-1000 38% Average 1500-1600 57% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 11% (1500-1600) vs (200-1000) 18%

FIG. 74 FIG. 74: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, 20% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength - ground cover Fabric 20% wavelength (nm) Microvoid pigment 280 0.014 300 0.067 320 0.074 340 0.078 360 0.095 380 0.106 400 0.117 420 0.121 440 0.124 460 0.127 480 0.130 500 0.132 520 0.134 540 0.136 560 0.139 580 0.141 600 0.143 620 0.145 640 0.147 660 0.149 680 0.151 700 0.153 720 0.155 740 0.156 760 0.158 780 0.160 800 0.162 820 0.164 840 0.165 860 0.167 880 0.168 900 0.170 920 0.170 940 0.173 960 0.177 980 0.179 1000 0.181 1020 0.181 1040 0.184 1060 0.185 1080 0.187 1100 0.190 1120 0.192 1140 0.191 1160 0.188 1180 0.180 1200 0.175 1220 0.181 1240 0.195 1260 0.201 1280 0.204 1300 0.207 1320 0.209 1340 0.210 1360 0.203 1380 0.196 1400 0.195 1420 0.202 1440 0.207 1460 0.213 1480 0.216 1500 0.221 1520 0.225 1540 0.227 1560 0.230 1580 0.231 1600 0.232 1620 0.231 1640 0.230 1660 0.231 1680 0.223 1700 0.152 1720 0.140 1740 0.151 1760 0.177 1780 0.189 1800 0.195 1820 0.193 1840 0.204 1860 0.218 1880 0.219 1900 0.223 1920 0.225 1940 0.227 1960 0.227 1980 0.228 2000 0.239 2020 0.241 2040 0.243 2060 0.244 2080 0.242 2100 0.253 2120 0.253 2140 0.251 2160 0.241 2180 0.236 2200 0.224 2220 0.203 2240 0.209 2260 0.122 2280 0.078 2300 0.069 2320 0.044 2340 0.074 2360 0.054 2380 0.076 2400 0.063 2420 0.078 2440 0.085 2460 0.040 2480 0.124 2500 0.121 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 20% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380  8% Average 420-700 14% Average 700-1000 17% Average 1500-1600 23% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 3% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 6%

FIG. 75 FIG. 75: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, 2.5% black, 4.0% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength - ground cover Tape 2.5% black, wavelength (nm) 4% microvoid pigment 280 0.0090 300 0.0090 320 0.0090 340 0.0090 360 0.0090 380 0.0090 400 0.0090 420 0.0090 440 0.0090 460 0.0090 480 0.0090 500 0.0090 520 0.0090 540 0.0090 560 0.0090 580 0.0090 600 0.0090 620 0.0090 640 0.0090 660 0.0090 680 0.0090 700 0.0090 720 0.0090 740 0.0090 760 0.0090 780 0.0090 800 0.0090 820 0.0090 840 0.0090 860 0.0090 880 0.0090 900 0.0090 920 0.0090 940 0.0090 960 0.0090 980 0.0090 1000 0.0090 1020 0.0090 1040 0.0090 1060 0.0090 1080 0.0090 1100 0.0090 1120 0.0090 1140 0.0090 1160 0.0090 1180 0.0090 1200 0.0090 1220 0.0090 1240 0.0090 1260 0.0090 1280 0.0090 1300 0.0109 1320 0.0118 1340 0.0121 1360 0.0116 1380 0.0073 1400 0.0121 1420 0.0185 1440 0.0207 1460 0.0204 1480 0.0214 1500 0.0240 1520 0.0257 1540 0.0279 1560 0.0307 1580 0.0305 1600 0.0335 1620 0.0325 1640 0.0330 1660 0.0373 1680 0.0416 1700 0.0403 1720 0.0429 1740 0.0306 1760 0.0458 1780 0.0549 1800 0.0501 1820 0.0434 1840 0.0525 1860 0.0504 1880 0.0602 1900 0.0535 1920 0.0540 1940 0.0588 1960 0.0771 1980 0.0643 2000 0.0629 2020 0.0688 2040 0.0753 2060 0.0575 2080 0.0744 2100 0.0867 2120 0.0596 2140 0.0627 2160 0.0931 2180 0.0602 2200 0.0724 2220 0.0999 2240 0.0673 2260 0.0346 2280 0.0905 2300 0.0577 2320 0.1181 2340 0.0424 2360 0.0888 2380 0.0366 2400 0.0453 2420 0.0240 2440 0.0562 2460 0.0305 2480 0.0221 2500 0.0558 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2.5% black, 4% microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 1% Average 420-700 1% Average 700-1000 1% Average 1500-1600 3% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 0% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 2%

FIG. 76 FIG. 76: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, Al coated tape Transmittance for each wavelength - ground cover wavelength (nm) Tape Al coated tape 280 0.0090 300 0.0090 320 0.0090 340 0.0090 360 0.0090 380 0.0090 400 0.0090 420 0.0090 440 0.0090 460 0.0090 480 0.0090 500 0.0090 520 0.0090 540 0.0090 560 0.0090 580 0.0090 600 0.0090 620 0.0090 640 0.0090 660 0.0090 680 0.0090 700 0.0090 720 0.0090 740 0.0090 760 0.0090 780 0.0090 800 0.0090 820 0.0090 840 0.0090 860 0.0090 880 0.0090 900 0.0090 920 0.0090 940 0.0090 960 0.0090 980 0.0090 1000 0.0090 1020 0.0090 1040 0.0090 1060 0.0090 1080 0.0090 1100 0.0090 1120 0.0090 1140 0.0090 1160 0.0090 1180 0.0090 1200 0.0090 1220 0.0090 1240 0.0090 1260 0.0090 1280 0.0090 1300 0.0090 1320 0.0090 1340 0.0090 1360 0.0090 1380 0.0090 1400 0.0090 1420 0.0090 1440 0.0090 1460 0.0090 1480 0.0090 1500 0.0090 1520 0.0090 1540 0.0090 1560 0.0090 1580 0.0090 1600 0.0090 1620 0.0090 1640 0.0090 1660 0.0090 1680 0.0090 1700 0.0090 1720 0.0090 1740 0.0090 1760 0.0090 1780 0.0090 1800 0.0090 1820 0.0090 1840 0.0090 1860 0.0090 1880 0.0090 1900 0.0090 1920 0.0090 1940 0.0090 1960 0.0090 1980 0.0090 2000 0.0090 2020 0.0090 2040 0.0090 2060 0.0090 2080 0.0090 2100 0.0090 2120 0.0090 2140 0.0090 2160 0.0090 2180 0.0090 2200 0.0090 2220 0.0090 2240 0.0090 2260 0.0090 2280 0.0090 2300 0.0090 2320 0.0090 2340 0.0090 2360 0.0090 2380 0.0090 2400 0.0090 2420 0.0090 2440 0.0090 2460 0.0090 2480 0.0090 2500 0.0090 Transmittance average for each wavelength range Al coated tape Average: 300-380 1% Average 420-700 1% Average 700-1000 1% Average 1500-1600 1% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 0% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 0%

Ground Cover Material of the Invention

FIG. 77 FIG. 77: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength - ground cover Mono 1% Altiris, wavelength (nm) 14% Microvoid pigment 280 0.0574 300 0.0376 320 0.0466 340 0.0471 360 0.0484 380 0.0572 400 0.1003 420 0.1837 440 0.1902 460 0.1940 480 0.1969 500 0.1999 520 0.2026 540 0.2049 560 0.2073 580 0.2096 600 0.2113 620 0.2136 640 0.2152 660 0.2172 680 0.2193 700 0.2213 720 0.2232 740 0.2254 760 0.2267 780 0.2274 800 0.2291 820 0.2311 840 0.2329 860 0.2352 880 0.2368 900 0.2378 920 0.2364 940 0.2372 960 0.2420 980 0.2445 1000 0.2448 1020 0.2399 1040 0.2324 1060 0.2412 1080 0.2595 1100 0.2428 1120 0.2569 1140 0.2462 1160 0.2515 1180 0.2264 1200 0.2202 1220 0.2282 1240 0.2410 1260 0.2752 1280 0.2568 1300 0.2719 1320 0.2568 1340 0.2747 1360 0.2000 1380 0.4113 1400 0.3465 1420 0.2459 1440 0.2443 1460 0.2612 1480 0.2532 1500 0.2662 1520 0.2845 1540 0.2618 1560 0.2903 1580 0.2763 1600 0.2926 1620 0.2759 1640 0.2856 1660 0.3079 1680 0.2679 1700 0.2623 1720 0.1421 1740 0.1724 1760 0.1609 1780 0.2174 1800 0.2228 1820 0.2224 1840 −0.0007 1860 0.3368 1880 0.2810 1900 0.2830 1920 0.4342 1940 0.2613 1960 0.2552 1980 0.2445 2000 0.2577 2020 0.2468 2040 0.2632 2060 0.2478 2080 0.2727 2100 0.2687 2120 0.2889 2140 0.2680 2160 0.2855 2180 0.2955 2200 0.2420 2220 0.2792 2240 0.2221 2260 0.2106 2280 0.1754 2300 0.0589 2320 0.1118 2340 0.0707 2360 0.0892 2380 0.0546 2400 0.0808 2420 0.0413 2440 0.0889 2460 0.0707 2480 0.0572 2500 0.2232 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380  5% Average 420-700 21% Average 700-1000 23% Average 1500-1600 28% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 3% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

FIG. 78 FIG. 78: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 2% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength - ground cover Mono 2% Altiris, wavelength (nm) 14% Microvoid pigment 280 0.0127 300 0.0081 320 0.0009 340 0.0037 360 0.0053 380 0.0085 400 0.0320 420 0.1225 440 0.1308 460 0.1347 480 0.1375 500 0.1404 520 0.1429 540 0.1450 560 0.1472 580 0.1492 600 0.1508 620 0.1521 640 0.1540 660 0.1560 680 0.1579 700 0.1598 720 0.1616 740 0.1624 760 0.1662 780 0.1655 800 0.1669 820 0.1682 840 0.1695 860 0.1710 880 0.1722 900 0.1728 920 0.1716 940 0.1721 960 0.1761 980 0.1790 1000 0.1795 1020 0.1868 1040 0.1853 1060 0.1902 1080 0.1897 1100 0.1913 1120 0.1843 1140 0.2074 1160 0.1873 1180 0.1941 1200 0.1724 1220 0.1433 1240 0.1853 1260 0.2062 1280 0.1979 1300 0.2200 1320 0.2115 1340 0.2109 1360 0.2391 1380 0.2527 1400 0.2066 1420 0.1779 1440 0.1920 1460 0.2033 1480 0.1988 1500 0.2109 1520 0.2252 1540 0.2130 1560 0.2180 1580 0.2206 1600 0.2312 1620 0.2233 1640 0.2178 1660 0.2293 1680 0.2097 1700 0.1792 1720 0.0887 1740 0.1091 1760 0.1164 1780 0.1612 1800 0.1555 1820 0.0587 1840 0.1516 1860 0.1183 1880 0.1865 1900 0.1415 1920 0.1225 1940 0.2151 1960 0.1865 1980 0.1988 2000 0.2026 2020 0.1843 2040 0.2164 2060 0.2087 2080 0.2360 2100 0.2311 2120 0.2452 2140 0.2312 2160 0.2432 2180 0.2290 2200 0.2052 2220 0.2372 2240 0.1495 2260 0.1791 2280 0.1171 2300 0.0379 2320 −0.0083 2340 0.0317 2360 0.0249 2380 −0.0277 2400 0.0280 2420 −0.0482 2440 0.0478 2460 0.0161 2480 0.0405 2500 0.0214 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 2% Altiris, 14% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380  1% Average 420-700 15% Average 700-1000 17% Average 1500-1600 22% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 2% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

FIG. 79 FIG. 79: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm monofilament, 1% TiO2, 14% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength - ground cover Mono 1% TiO2, wavelength (nm) 14% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1586 300 0.0011 320 0.0558 340 0.0504 360 0.0565 380 0.0625 400 0.0983 420 0.1650 440 0.1700 460 0.1733 480 0.1759 500 0.1790 520 0.1811 540 0.1845 560 0.1871 580 0.1901 600 0.1919 620 0.1962 640 0.1968 660 0.1994 680 0.2016 700 0.2040 720 0.2061 740 0.2116 760 0.2070 780 0.2120 800 0.2147 820 0.2181 840 0.2222 860 0.2262 880 0.2289 900 0.2300 920 0.2295 940 0.2295 960 0.2357 980 0.2373 1000 0.2377 1020 0.2487 1040 0.2515 1060 0.2415 1080 0.2555 1100 0.2474 1120 0.2454 1140 0.2635 1160 0.2534 1180 0.2372 1200 0.2190 1220 0.2012 1240 0.2457 1260 0.2693 1280 0.2686 1300 0.2680 1320 0.2734 1340 0.2790 1360 0.2437 1380 0.4001 1400 0.3106 1420 0.2521 1440 0.2371 1460 0.2591 1480 0.2686 1500 0.2797 1520 0.2818 1540 0.2802 1560 0.2857 1580 0.2876 1600 0.2783 1620 0.2911 1640 0.2827 1660 0.2960 1680 0.2783 1700 0.2541 1720 0.1579 1740 0.1734 1760 0.1803 1780 0.2204 1800 0.2404 1820 0.1731 1840 0.0493 1860 0.2879 1880 0.2964 1900 0.2550 1920 0.3255 1940 0.2896 1960 0.2646 1980 0.2649 2000 0.2667 2020 0.2648 2040 0.2872 2060 0.2884 2080 0.3061 2100 0.3223 2120 0.3194 2140 0.3294 2160 0.3429 2180 0.3121 2200 0.2870 2220 0.3077 2240 0.2561 2260 0.2121 2280 0.1737 2300 0.0774 2320 0.0598 2340 0.1124 2360 0.0675 2380 0.0579 2400 0.0429 2420 0.0757 2440 0.0812 2460 0.1693 2480 0.0506 2500 0.1911 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1% TiO2, 14% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380  5% Average 420-700 19% Average 700-1000 22% Average 1500-1600 28% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 4% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 6%

FIG. 80 FIG. 80: Diffuse transmittance table, diffuse transmittance versus radiation from 250 to 2500 nm tape, 1% Altiris, 10% Microvoid pigment Transmittance for each wavelength Mono 1% Altiris, wavelength (nm) 10% Microvoid pigment 280 0.1599 300 0.1747 320 0.1637 340 0.1700 360 0.1691 380 0.1721 400 0.2150 420 0.3299 440 0.3319 460 0.3406 480 0.3402 500 0.3473 520 0.3447 540 0.3505 560 0.3566 580 0.3509 600 0.3575 620 0.3584 640 0.3595 660 0.3565 680 0.3627 700 0.3584 720 0.3682 740 0.3722 760 0.3699 780 0.3747 800 0.3715 820 0.3765 840 0.3738 860 0.3789 880 0.3785 900 0.3833 920 0.3794 940 0.3844 960 0.3849 980 0.3893 1000 0.3967 1020 0.3904 1040 0.3928 1060 0.3930 1080 0.3983 1100 0.4039 1120 0.4011 1140 0.4052 1160 0.3944 1180 0.3866 1200 0.3569 1220 0.3401 1240 0.3881 1260 0.4032 1280 0.4111 1300 0.4106 1320 0.4168 1340 0.4162 1360 0.4178 1380 0.4008 1400 0.3907 1420 0.3787 1440 0.3871 1460 0.4019 1480 0.4137 1500 0.4234 1520 0.4265 1540 0.4223 1560 0.4319 1580 0.4375 1600 0.4379 1620 0.4394 1640 0.4396 1660 0.4364 1680 0.4221 1700 0.3908 1720 0.2720 1740 0.2938 1760 0.2982 1780 0.3469 1800 0.3429 1820 0.3456 1840 0.3578 1860 0.3801 1880 0.3888 1900 0.3918 1920 0.3894 1940 0.3902 1960 0.3942 1980 0.3971 2000 0.3947 2020 0.3960 2040 0.4049 2060 0.4004 2080 0.4153 2100 0.4286 2120 0.4404 2140 0.4297 2160 0.4403 2180 0.4288 2200 0.4050 2220 0.3841 2240 0.3493 2260 0.3223 2280 0.2324 2300 0.1618 2320 0.1806 2340 0.1767 2360 0.1678 2380 0.1511 2400 0.1303 2420 0.1395 2440 0.1366 2460 0.1843 2480 0.1661 2500 0.2038 Transmittance average for each wavelength range 1%, Altiris 10% Microvoid pigment Average: 300-380 17% Average 420-700 35% Average 700-1000 38% Average 1500-1600 43% Transmittance difference for each wavelength range (700-1000) vs (420-700) 3% (1500-1600) vs (700-1000) 5%

The foregoing describes the invention including preferred forms thereof, alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated in the scope hereof, as defined in the accompanying claims.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date. 

1-101. (canceled)
 102. A ground cover material which is woven, or non-woven, from a synthetic monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape or combination thereof, formed from a resin comprising at least one pigment such that the monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape: across a UV wavelength range about 300 to about 380 nm: absorbs at least about 55% solar radiation on average, and transmits less than about 20% solar radiation on average; and reflects at least about 20% solar radiation on average; across a visible wavelength range about 420 to about 700 nm: transmits less than about 40% solar radiation on average, and reflects at least about 10% of solar radiation on average; across an infrared wavelength range about 700 to about 1000 nm: transmits between about 10% and about 50% of solar radiation on average; and across an infrared wavelength range of 1500 to 1600 nm: transmits at least about 10% to about 60% solar radiation on average.
 103. The ground cover material according to claim 102, wherein the resin comprises a microvoiding pigment and a UV absorbing substance.
 104. The ground cover material according to claim 103 wherein the microvoiding pigment comprises barium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium zirconate, calcium zirconate, strontium zirconate, barium zirconate, zirconium silicate, or a combination thereof.
 105. The ground cover material according to claim 103 wherein the UV absorbing substance is an inorganic pigment or an organic pigment.
 106. The ground cover material according to claim 103 wherein the UV absorbing substance is selected from the group consisting of barium titanate, magnesium titanate, strontium titanate, neodymium titanate, tin oxide, titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, silica, alumina, zinc oxide, zinc sulphide, zinc sulphate, zirconium silicate, magnesium oxide, and combinations thereof.
 107. The ground cover material according to claim 106 wherein the wherein the UV absorbing substance is pigmentary titanium dioxide having a particle size of about 0.20 μm to about 0.40 μm.
 108. The ground cover material according to claim 106 wherein the UV absorbing substance is titanium dioxide and has an average particle size of at least 0.5 μm.
 109. The ground cover material according to claim 103 wherein the UV absorbing substance is titanium dioxide has an average particle size from about 0.7 μm to about 1.8 μm.
 110. The ground cover material according to claim 103 wherein the UV absorbing substance is titanium dioxide is substantially in the rutile form.
 111. The ground cover material according to claim 103 wherein said UV absorbing substance is comprises coated or doped titanium dioxide.
 112. The ground cover material according to claim 106 wherein said titanium dioxide comprises nickel antimony titanate or chromium antimony titanate.
 113. The ground cover material according to claim 106 wherein said titanium dioxide comprises coated titanium dioxide, wherein said titanium dioxide is coated with a coating comprising silica, alumina, or a combination thereof.
 114. The ground cover material according to claim 103 comprising a pigment selected from the group consisting of barium titanate, magnesium titanate, strontium titanate, neodymium titanate, tin oxide, titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, silica, alumina, zinc oxide, zinc sulphide, zinc sulphate, zirconium silicate, magnesium oxide, and combinations thereof.
 115. The ground cover material according to claim 103 comprising microvoids in the material.
 116. The ground cover material according to claim 115 wherein said microvoids have been formed by stretching said synthetic monofilament, yarn, or tape from which the netting material is formed or stretching a film material from which said tape has been cut.
 117. The ground cover material according to claim 116 wherein the microvoiding pigment forms microvoids when monofilament, yarn, or tape from which the netting material is formed or a film material from which tape is cut is stretched.
 118. The ground cover material according to claim 117 wherein the microvoiding pigment is a white pigment.
 119. The ground cover material according to claim 103 formed from a resin comprising at least 1% by weight of microvoiding and titanium dioxide pigments.
 120. The ground cover material according to claim 103, wherein the resin comprises at least one microvoiding pigment and particulate material in substantially rutile form.
 121. The ground cover material according to claim 103 wherein microvoids have been formed by mono-axial or bi-axial stretching of the synthetic monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape. 